The Ballad of Reading Gaol
Oscar Wilde, 1896
[WILDE, Oscar (1854-1900).] The Ballad of Reading Gaol. London: [Chiswick Press for] Leonard Smithers, 1896.
Bradley Martin copy of the first edition of Wilde's final poem, written from exile; one of 800 copies on fine paper. Due to Wilde's notoriety post-imprisonment, he published this work under the name "C.3.3."—his prison cell identification number. It sold out immediately and went into several more editions in a short span of time; the proceeds provided Wilde with an income for the rest of his life. Mason 371.
Octavo. Printed on one side only. Original white linen backed cinnamon cloth, uncut, last fold unopened (a little worn, with spine stained). Provenance: H. Bradley Martin (bookplate, his sale, Sotheby's New York, 1 May 1990, lot 3320).
The Ballad of Reading Gaol
Oscar Wilde, 1896
[WILDE, Oscar (1854-1900).] The Ballad of Reading Gaol. London: [Chiswick Press for] Leonard Smithers, 1896.
Bradley Martin copy of the first edition of Wilde's final poem, written from exile; one of 800 copies on fine paper. Due to Wilde's notoriety post-imprisonment, he published this work under the name "C.3.3."—his prison cell identification number. It sold out immediately and went into several more editions in a short span of time; the proceeds provided Wilde with an income for the rest of his life. Mason 371.
Octavo. Printed on one side only. Original white linen backed cinnamon cloth, uncut, last fold unopened (a little worn, with spine stained). Provenance: H. Bradley Martin (bookplate, his sale, Sotheby's New York, 1 May 1990, lot 3320).
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