Poems' was published at Wilde's expense less than 10 years before he wrote his acclaimed novel, 'The Picture of Dorian Gray.' It contains some of his best-loved poetry, including 'Ravenna,' 'The Ballad of Reading Gaol,' and 'Sonnet On Hearing The Dies Irae Sung In The Sistine Chapel.' Despite being criticised in the Press, 'Poems' sold out during its first run and further editions had to be printed in the same year. Wilde went on to gift copies of the book to assorted dignitaries, including Albert Edward, the then Prince of Wales. The anthology is an insightful exploration of human emotions and a landmark in his career

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