1928 Antique Book Oscar Wilde "Ballad of Reading Gaol" Art Deco Illus. J. Vassos

Description: THE BALLAD OF READING GAOL by Oscar Wilde. Published in 1928 by E.P. Dutton & Co., Inc., New York. 124pp. Small quarto [24 cm] 1/2 black cloth over blue striped paper covered boards. The title is stamped in gilt on the spine . Includes sixteen full-page black and white illustrations with tissue guards. Has a very small 1920's booksellers label on the endpaper. Thought provoking poetry from Oscar Wilde's, a passionate plea from his cell number C33. He was imprisoned in Reading Gaol in 1895 for homosexuality. He was sentenced to two years hard labor. He spent much of his time in solitary confinement. Deprived of human contact, he could do nothing but brood. John Vassos is best known for both his art deco illustrations. He was an industrial designer and artist. He was responsible for the iconic Perey turnstile, as well as RCA modern radios, broadcast equipment, and televisions. This book is from the collection of a prolific collector of scientific, engineering, and drafting reference books, usually containing prolific drawings and schematics. Additionally, he collected antique engravings, prints, and rare books. The gentleman was one of the first executive engineers at Texas Instruments, and collected numerous examples of fine draftsmanship. I will be listing many scientific books from his collection in the coming days. Please see my other items -- combined shipping always applies. Book will be mailed by USPS media mail unless prior arrangement made with seller. Note that if other services are used, EBAY shipping estimate will not be correct, and buyer should wait for invoice. Note that media mail postage is most economic, but can also be somewhat delayed compared to regular mail. Please consider the trade-off between cost and delivery speed in your shipping choice. Condition: Good to Fair, acceptable readable and collectible condition. Mentionable issues: a) faint water stain & cover fading on front board on upper left, b) fading on back board on top & bottom edges, c) moderate edge tanning / oxidation, and d) front board shows split. No writing, intentional marking, or personalization. Pages are supple and not brittle. No tears, rips or loose pages. Binding & text block are solid and tight. Dimensions: 7.5” wide x 9.5” tall x 0.75” deep Unpacked weight: 1 lbs. 2 oz. Always happy to pass through discounts on combined shipping. I only charge actual postage, and always use recycled packing materials. Note some photos appear redundant because I take photos from all possible angles. On symmetrical items, these photos may appear redundant when there are no distinguishing differences or condition issues between side views. I gladly accept returns, but please note I do not pay return postage unless there was a significant error in my description. The item listed is being sold as is, as pictured and as described to the best of my knowledge. All dimensions and weights approximate. If you have a question or an assumption on an item prior to purchase, please ask. I much prefer to take the time on the front end to make sure you will be satisfied with your purchase. Remember, when buying vintage expect imperfections as these items have a history and have been in the possession of others. I try to list EVERY flaw which would be commented on something in an antique or vintage condition – this does not mean all imperfections resulting from normal wear & use require comment. My goal is to have no rude surprises upon receipt.

Price: 74.5 USD

Location: Dallas, Texas

End Time: 2024-11-16T19:10:10.000Z

Shipping Cost: 6.13 USD