Ballad of Reading Gaol, The

Reading, Berkshire: The Carpathian Press, 1999. Wilde's Greatest Poem in a Modern Private Press Masterpiece
One of Only 25 Copies on Velin Arches Blanc

WILDE, Oscar. The Ballad of Reading Gaol. Engravings by Peter Forster. Introduction by Bryan Forbes. Reading, Berkshire: The Carpathian Press, [1999].

One of 25 copies printed on Velin Arches Blanc, from a total edition of 125, signed by Bryan Forbes.

Large octavo (9 7/8 x 7 1/4 inches; 251 x 184 mm.). [1-16], 17-103, [1, blank], [1, limitation] pp. Six engravings by Peter Forster.

Elegantly bound by Anthony Wessely in full green morocco. Spine with five raised bands, decoratively ruled and lettered in gilt in compartments, olive-green endpapers. Housed in the original green cloth slipcase. A fine copy.

A finely produced private press edition of Wilde's most powerful and enduring poem, written in the aftermath of his imprisonment in Reading Gaol (1895-97). First published in 1898 under the pseudonym "C.3.3." (Wilde's prison number), the poem stands as a profound meditation on justice, punishment, and human suffering, and remains one of the great poetic responses to incarceration in English literature.

This Carpathian Press edition is among the most desirable modern fine press interpretations of the text, distinguished by its restrained yet expressive engravings by Peter Forster, which echo the stark emotional landscape of Wilde's poem. The use of Velin Arches Blanc paper - reserved here for just 25 copies - provides a luxurious surface that complements both the typography and the engraved plates.

A beautifully conceived and executed modern private press book - uniting Wilde's most haunting work with accomplished illustration and binding of the highest order.