De Profundis (Paperback, Oscar Wilde)

"De Profundis" is a letter written by the Irish writer Oscar Wilde during his imprisonment in Reading Gaol. The Latin title "De Profundis" translates to "From the Depths" or "Out of the Depths," indicating the profound emotional state in which Wilde wrote the letter. In 1895, Wilde was convicted of "gross indecency" due to his homosexual relationships, which were considered illegal at the time in England. He was sentenced to two years of hard labor, during which he composed "De Profundis" as a letter to his former lover, Lord Alfred Douglas, also known as "Bosie." "De Profundis" is a deeply introspective and emotional work in which Wilde reflects on his life, mistakes, and spiritual journey. The letter contains heartfelt confessions, self-examinations, and contemplations on the nature of love, suffering, and redemption. In the letter, Wilde discusses his relationship with Bosie and acknowledges the negative impact it had on his life. He also expresses his thoughts on art, literature, and the role of suffering in the human experience. The letter acts as both a personal catharsis for Wilde and a philosophical meditation on themes of forgiveness, growth, and the transformative power of suffering.