The Ballad of Reading Gaol

This hardcover edition of "The Ballad of Reading Gaol" is an ex-library copy, featuring library markings and stamps. The cover shows wear consistent with its age and library history, including some edge wear and a library sticker on the spine. The binding remains intact, and the pages are in good condition, free from inscriptions or signatures. No dust jacket is present.

"The Ballad of Reading Gaol" by Oscar Wilde is a poignant exploration of justice and human suffering, first published in 1898. This edition, published by The Heritage Press in 1937, features lithographs by Zhenya Gay and an introduction by Burton Rascoe, adding visual and contextual depth to Wilde's powerful narrative poem. The book is bound in a distinctive hardcover with a textured design reminiscent of prison walls, reflecting the poem's themes. Oscar Wilde, a renowned playwright and poet, wrote this work after his own imprisonment, making it a significant piece in his oeuvre. This edition's unique illustrations and introduction make it a valuable addition for collectors of classic literature. The book is an ex-library copy, indicating its journey through public collections, which adds a layer of historical interest. The physical condition is consistent with its age, showing signs of library use but maintaining structural integrity.