Inscribed by the author to a close friend of Oscar Wilde
Tárávatí: a Tale, translated into English.
8vo (131 x 212 mm). (4), 74 [but: 75], (1) pp. With a wood-engraved decorative endpiece showing an urn of flowers. Original purple velvet presentation binding with pewter medallion image of a Hindu god. Green endpapers. All edges gilt.
€ 4,500.00
Only edition of this Hindu legend of Taravati, the wife of a wealthy Indian merchant, a tale originally composed by the translator's mother. Elaborately bound presentation copy, inscribed by the Indian musicologist and writer Sourindro Tagore (1840-1914) to the British patron of the arts, Constance Gwladys Robinson, Marchioness of Ripon (1859-1917), a close friend of Oscar Wilde (to whom the latter would dedicate "The Importance Of Being Ernest"): "In submission as an humble offering to Her Excellency The Most Hon.ble Marchioness of Ripon, CI. / With Sourindro Mohun Tagore's most profound respect", dated Calcutta, 5 December 1881. Rare; OCLC lists only six copies in libraries worldwide.
Binding a little worn along external hinges; spine rubbed.
OCLC 6062956..
