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WILDE, Oscar.

The Ballad of Reading Gaol. By C.3.3.

The Ballad of Reading Gaol. By C.3.3.

Stock Code 109536

London, Leonard Smithers, 1898

Regular price $4,000 USD
Regular price Sale price $4,000 USD
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One of 800 copies. First edition, limited to just 800 copies on handmade paper, with a further 30 copies on Japanese Vellum.

The poem was composed following Wilde's release from the titular prison and published under the pseudonym 'C.3.3.' after his cell (the third cell on the third landing of Gallery C). Wilde had been incarcerated in Reading after being convicted of gross indecency in 1895 and sentenced to two years' hard labour in prison. The first edition sold out within a week, resulting in a second edition being published soon after, yet it was not commonly known, until the 7th printing in June 1899, that C.3.3. was actually Wilde.

First edition, one of 800 copies on handmade paper, from a total edition of 830; 8vo; ownership inscription to front free endpaper, some age-toning to edges, endpapers browned (as often); publisher's white linen-backed cinnamon cloth, gilt lettering to spine, spine slightly rolled and darkened, light soiling to boards, slight rubbing to corners and spine ends, else very good.

Mason 371.

Provenance

Provenance: Arnold Mayhew (1873-1939), appointed Master at Epsom College in 1898 (ownership inscription dated September 1898 to front free endpaper).

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