[Lynd Ward | Signed] The Ballad of Reading Gaol

Wilde, Oscar. The Ballad of Reading Gaol. New York: Macy-Masius / The Vanguard Press, 1928. Composition and presswork by the Marchbanks Press. Limited to 2000 copies. Full-page illustrations and page decorations in mezzotint by Lynd Ward; his first fine press book. With a somewhat ironic inscription from Ward opposite the title page: "With a special inscription / because this is the first book. / Lynd Ward". Bound in full black morocco with title in gilt to the front cover, surrounded by a large gilt-ruled floral frame. Small floral stamps in each corner, with an additional three gilt-rules around the edges of the cover. Title and author in gilt to spine. Gilt-ruled turn-ins, with green and white pictorial endpapers. Top edge gilt. Loosely inserted is a holiday card from Ward and May McNeer on yellow paper, "Can Spring Be Far Behind?". Measures approx. 7.25" x 10.25". Light edgewear and rubbing to edges and corners. Dance 013.