“The most terrible thing about it is not that it breaks one’s heart—hearts are made to be broken—but that it turns one’s heart to stone.”

"De Profundis," written by Oscar Wilde during his imprisonment in Reading Gaol, is a deeply personal and introspective letter to his former lover, Lord Alfred Douglas, found in this 1964 edition by Vintage Books. It offers readers Wilde's unedited thoughts in their full form.

The work presents a compelling blend of personal confession and sharp critique. Wilde holds Douglas largely responsible for his downfall and, through this letter, reflects on their tumultuous relationship, his own rise and fall, and his thoughts on art and beauty. One aspect that fascinated me was his seamless shift from expressions of love and disappointment to meditations on suffering and redemption—showcasing Wilde's impeccable skill in writing.

"De Profundis" was Wilde's attempt to make sense of his suffering and to articulate his emotional and intellectual struggles. Throughout the letter, Wilde's fierce intelligence and emotional depth shine. His eloquent prose and keen insights reveal a man who, despite immense suffering, remains dedicated to truth and beauty. It serves as both a passionate critique of Douglas and a testament to Wilde's enduring spirit.

Discovering this edition was a revelation; it allowed me to fully grasp Wilde's profound emotional and intellectual journey—offering readers a powerful and cohesive glimpse into his soul and legacy.