The Soul of Man under Socialism by Oscar Wilde Privately Printed 1904

WILDE, Oscar. The Soul of Man under Socialism.

London, Privately Printed, 1904.
 
Octavo, pp. 87. Original drab paper wrappers printed in red and black. one of 250 printed, this being number 73. Wrappers a little toned and lightly marked, with minor edge wear and softening at the corners; spine intact without loss. Internally clean, with occasional light spotting and natural paper toning, but overall a sound, presentable, very good copy.
 
Privately printed posthumous edition of Wilde’s essay, first published in the Fortnightly Review in 1891, followed by an edition of 50 by the Chiswick Press in 1895. The essay sets out his distinctive synthesis of socialism and individualism, arguing that true socialism would liberate the individual from economic necessity and enable the fullest expression of personality and artistic life.
 
A rare early standalone printing of one of Wilde’s most influential essays.