Oscar Wilde. Fifth edition. Royal Arcade London W: Leonard Smithers, 1898. Hardcover is in Very Good condition. No dust jacket. No writing or markings found in the book, 31 pp.
"Yet each man kills the thing he loves…” — Oscar Wilde, The Ballad of Reading Gaol
Early printing of Wilde’s searing prison poem, issued anonymously under the pseudonym “C.3.3.” following his conviction and imprisonment at Reading Gaol. This is the Fifth Edition, printed the same year as the first by Leonard Smithers. Bound in original yellow cloth. Ends at page 31, as issued, with no ads or colophon.
A powerful testament to Wilde’s wit, resilience, and humanity — and an iconic piece of queer and literary history.
Publisher: Leonard Smithers, 1898
Edition: Fifth (Gallatin C6)
Binding: Yellow cloth (no jacket issued)
Pages: 31
Condition: Very Good (tight, clean, light age wear)
