Item #3490 THE BALLAD OF READING GAOL - INSCRIBED. Oscar Wilde, John Vassos, poem, illustrations.

THE BALLAD OF READING GAOL - INSCRIBED

New York: E.P. Dutton & Co., 1928. First Trade Edition. Attractive edition of this poem, written by Wilde in exile after his release from prison. The poem narrates a hanging which took place during Wilde's imprisonment, complemented by Deco-inspired illustrations by John Vassos. Item #3490

Small quarto (24cm); bluish-gray vertical-patterned paper over black cloth, with titling and decorations stamped in gilt and black on spine and front cover; dark blue topstain; dustjacket; [8],124pp; illus. Inscribed by Vassos on the half-title page: "To Josephine Allen / in symbolism / John Vassos." Recipient's ink name to front pastedown, hint of sunning to upper board edges, with some very faint dustiness to backstrip; Near Fine, and clean throughout. Dustjacket shows trivial wear to extremities, a short tear to lower right corner of rear panel, with a tiny nick to upper right corner of same; an attractive, Near FIne example, absent the usual heavy wear associated with this title.

Price: $500.00

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