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De Profundis

MSRP: $8.95
$6.99
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SKU:
1644
Condition:
Good – There is one small stain on the title page, which extends slightly onto the next page. Otherwise, the book remains in very good shape, with no other significant damage or markings.
Format:
Trade Paperback, 136 pages
Publisher:
Random House, Inc., 2000
Edition:
Modern Library Paperback Edition, Second Printing
Oscar Wilde’s De Profundis is a compelling and timeless piece of literature, as well as a poignant letter written in 1897 during Wilde’s imprisonment to his former lover, Lord Alfred Douglas.  In this deeply personal and reflective work, Wilde grapples with themes of love, betrayal, suffering, and redemption. The letter is a raw and emotional exploration of Wilde’s thoughts on his relationship with Douglas, the consequences of his past choices, and his philosophical musings on the human condition. In this Modern Library edition, the preface by Richard Ellmann provides valuable historical context to Wilde's life and works, while W.H. Auden’s commentary offers insightful analysis, further enriching the reader’s understanding of this literary masterpiece.

Oscar Wilde’s De Profundis is a compelling and timeless piece of literature, as well as a poignant letter written in 1897 during Wilde’s imprisonment to his former lover, Lord Alfred Douglas.  In this deeply personal and reflective work, Wilde grapples with themes of love, betrayal, suffering, and redemption. The letter is a raw and emotional exploration of Wilde’s thoughts on his relationship with Douglas, the consequences of his past choices, and his philosophical musings on the human condition.

In this Modern Library edition, the preface by Richard Ellmann provides valuable historical context to Wilde's life and works, while W.H. Auden’s commentary offers insightful analysis, further enriching the reader’s understanding of this literary masterpiece.

About the Author

Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish poet, playwright, and author, celebrated for his wit, flamboyant style, and sharp social commentary. Wilde’s works, including The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Salomé, are known for their biting critiques of society, their exploration of aesthetics, and their masterful use of paradox. Wilde’s sharp intellect and charm made him a prominent figure in London’s social scene, but his career took a tragic turn when he was convicted of “gross indecency” due to his homosexual relationships. Wilde’s time in prison, which included his writing of De Profundis, deeply influenced his later work and his views on love, art, and life.

Richard Ellmann, one of the foremost biographers of Wilde, is known for his comprehensive biography of the author, which won critical acclaim. His preface in this edition provides an essential historical and biographical backdrop, enriching the reader’s understanding of Wilde’s life and the circumstances surrounding De Profundis.

W.H. Auden, a renowned poet and critic, provides an insightful commentary that delves into the text’s literary significance. Auden’s analysis helps illuminate Wilde’s themes and personal struggles, offering readers a deeper connection to the emotional and philosophical underpinnings of the work.