DE PROFUNDIS
London: Methuen and Co., 1905. First Edition. Hardcover. The first issue, with the publisher's ads dated February 1905. Bankrupt and with his reputation in ruins, Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) wrote the astonishing letter “De Profundis” to his lover, Lord Alfred Douglas, while in prison. In its first half, Wilde recounts their previous relationship and extravagant lifestyle which eventually led to Wilde's conviction and imprisonment for gross indecency. He indicts both Lord Alfred's vanity and his own weakness in acceding to those wishes. In the second half, Wilde charts his spiritual development in prison and identification with Jesus Christ, whom he characterizes as a romantic, individualist artist. Includes a preface by Robert Ross. Octavo. Original blue cloth binding, with gilt stamping. The spine is sun faded, with a bit of rubbing to the corners and tips; otherwise very good. Very good. Item #75657
Price: $250.00