2.a The "Numbered" edition: Half-bound in finest, hand polished, burgundy leather supplied by Harmatan and Oakridge, hand-marbled paper covered boards, slipcased, signed by artist: limitation 250

2.b The "Lettered" edition: Fully bound in black goatskin leather supplied by Harmatan and Oakridge. Front and back boards blocked in 4 colours using an ornamental design by Gregory Manchess, solander traycase, signed by author of foreword and artist: limitation 26

Lyra's Books Website Description

This limited, fine press edition of ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ is the full twenty-chapter version from 1891 and contains the Preface by Oscar Wilde.

The book is newly illustrated by award-winning oil painter Gregory Manchess with nine full-length oil portraits of Dorian, which will gradually change and degrade as the novel progresses. There is also a frontispiece portrait of Oscar himself. Greg has signed both editions.

A new foreword was commissioned from writer, editor and Oscar Wilde’s only grandchild, Merlin Holland. Merlin discusses the origins of the story and how it played a part in Wilde’s trial. He signs the Lettered edition only.

All books are hand-bound by Richard Tong with help from the skilled team of binders at Ludlow Bookbinders. All books are letterpress printed by Phil Abel and Robert Hetherington at Hand and Eye Letterpress in London.

The bindings were designed with creative input from Marcelo Anciano of Arete Editions who has designed the layout of the books. Lyra's Books also worked together with Greg to create the designs that can be seen on the Lettered edition cover and the Numbered slipcase.

The hand polished goatskin leather that is used is of the highest quality available and comes from one of the finest book leather tanneries in the world. This is a major upgrade from the leather that was used on ‘Stardust. The paper stock is also of a much higher quality, both types being mould-made and the Magnani being made from 100% cotton.

Pictures from Lyra's Books website

See also: numbered edition