The Ballad of Reading Gaol. By C.3.3.

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WILDE, Oscar.

The Ballad of Reading Gaol. By C.3.3.

The Ballad of Reading Gaol. By C.3.3.

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Stock Code 110494

London, Leonard Smithers, 1898

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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; publisher's quarter white linen over mustard yellow sides, titles to spine gilt, all edges uncut, endpapers somewhat browned, with a neat incision to the front free endpaper beneath an early, tipped in catalogue description, spine a little tanned as often; very good indeed.

Mason 371.
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