The Ballad of Reading Gaol by C. 3. 3.

[WILDE, Oscar].

Item Number: 140206

London: Leonard Smithers, 1898.

Sixth edition of this work written by Wilde shortly after his release from prison, published the same year as the first. Octavo, original publisher’s half vellum with gilt titles to the spine. In very good condition.

Inspired by his prison experience and comprised in part by a plea for penal reform, The Ballad of Reading Gaol was the last work Wilde completed before his death in 1900. “In his comedies the miscreants were always pardoned, but in the Ballad, while ultimately forgiven, they are treated vindictively by their fellows, who are equally guilty… There is no doubt that Wilde had once again touched a great subject and left his fingerprints on it… once read, it is never forgotten” (Ellmann, 532-34).