[WILDE, Oscar]. THE BALLAD OF READING GAOL By C.3.3. London: Leonard Smithers, 1898. 8vo, (4), 31 leaves, printed on rectos only. Orig. mustard cloth boards backed in cream cloth, lt soiling, a few spots, a bit of wear to corners, otherwise very good copy on Van Gelder paper. ¶ The copy of erotica scholar G. Legman who has signed and dated the endpaper and written bibliographical notes on the front pastedown: “1st ed. ‘6th Ed.’ (=thousand). Edition tirée sur Hollande à petit nombre, imprimée au seul recto des feuillets, semblable à l’edition originales, mais portent la mention ‘Sixth Edition” au verso du titre. Edition parue l’année de 1 ed. originale.” ¶ The title of this work was suggested to Wilde by Robert Ross and the signature on the title alludes to Wilde’s inmate number at Reading Gaol. The first edition sold out within a few days. Of the work Wilde said “I have probed the depths of most of the experiences in life, and I have come to the conclusion that ware meant to suffer... it was only in the depts of suffering that I wrote (that is conceived of) my poem.” Mason 371. Price: USD 650.00 other currencies   order no. 2727    inquire

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