The Harlot’s House and Other Poems (1929)by Oscar Wilde. Illustrated by John Vassos.

The Harlot’s House and Other Poems, published in 1929 by E.P. Dutton & Co., is a strikingly modern interpretation of Oscar Wilde’s darkly sensuous poetry, illustrated by the influential designer and artist John Vassos. This edition stands as a distinctive example of early 20th-century book design, where the fusion of literature and visual art creates a deeply atmospheric reading experience.

Oscar Wilde’s poetry in this volume, notably the title piece “The Harlot’s House,” explores themes of desire, illusion, beauty, and decay, often couched in musical language and sharp irony. The selections reveal Wilde’s aesthetic vision and his fascination with the intersection of artifice and emotion, pleasure and emptiness.

John Vassos, a Greek-American illustrator and industrial designer, brings Wilde’s words to life with a series of stylized, haunting illustrations in stark black and white. His imagery reflects the influence of Art Deco and Expressionism, filled with angular forms, elongated figures, and shadowy compositions that emphasize the mood of alienation and disillusionment. Vassos’ interpretations are not merely decorative; they probe beneath Wilde’s polished verse to expose its underlying tension and erotic melancholy.

This edition is particularly prized among collectors for its bold modernist style and for being one of the early examples of Vassos’ foray into psychologically intense visual storytelling. It is often considered a precursor to his later, more famous works, such as Contempo (1930) and Phobia (1931).

About the Illustrator:
John Vassos (1898–1985) was a pioneering figure in American industrial design and illustration. Born in Romania to Greek parents and later emigrating to the U.S., he trained as an artist and served in World War I before establishing himself in the design world. While known for designing radios, televisions, and packaging for RCA, he also gained acclaim for his illustrated books. Vassos often explored themes of modernity, psychology, and urban life through a visual language shaped by Art Deco, Cubism, and Symbolism. In The Harlot’s House, his stark, emotionally charged drawings marked the beginning of a unique and influential body of illustrated literary work.

Recommended for collectors and readers:

• Phobia (1931), illustrated by John Vassos – A powerful exploration of psychological fears through abstract, surreal illustrations.
• Contempo (1930), illustrated by John Vassos – A bold visual commentary on modern urban society and its contradictions.
• Salome (1894), illustrated by Aubrey Beardsley – Wilde’s controversial play paired with equally provocative Art Nouveau illustrations.

Art Gallery: John Vassos – The Harlot’s House and Other Poems 1929