“HIS MOST FREQUENTLY PERFORMED PLAY IN THE MODERN THEATRE” (PMM): FIRST EDITION OF IBSEN’S HEDDA GABLER, A BEAUTIFUL FINE COPY IN THE RARE ORIGINAL DUST JACKET

IBSEN, Henrik. Hedda Gabler. Copenhagen: Gyldendalske, 1890. 12mo, original black- and gilt-stamped brown cloth, patterned endpapers, all edges gilt, original dust jacket. Housed in a custom chemise and clamshell box. $28,500.

First edition of what is arguably Ibsen’s greatest play, in publisher’s elaborate cloth-gilt binding. An extraordinary copy in fine condition, in the very rare original dust jacket.

"Ibsen's influence on the whole course of modern drama may be indicated by the inclusion of his plays in the repertoire of every avant-garde theatre of his day… and although on every occasion that they were produced audience reaction was largely a mixture of protest and bewilderment, Ibsen's revolutionary technique has now become firmly established" (PMM 375). Shortly before the publication of this edition, an edition of 12 copies was printed in Norwegian in London; poet and man of letters Edmund Gosse, who supervised its publication, asserted this would be necessary for copyright protection. Text in Norwegian. Owner signature of Norwegian philanthropist Aagot Juel on front flyleaf and title page.

Book very fine, gilt on cloth extraordinarily bright and fresh; rare original dust jacket with most minor toning. A beautiful copy.