De Profundis
De Profundis is a long letter written by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol to Lord Alfred Douglas. An abridged version was published posthumously in 1905; the complete and corrected text first appeared in 1962.
Wilde wrote it between January and March 1897, near the end of the prison sentence that followed his 1895 conviction for gross indecency. The prosecution followed Wilde’s unsuccessful libel action against Douglas’s father, the Marquess of Queensberry.
The letter examines Wilde’s destructive relationship with Douglas, criticizes his lover’s vanity and behavior, and holds Wilde himself responsible for weakness, distraction, and choices that damaged his work and life.
Wilde also reflects on suffering, humility, art, and the spiritual development he experiences in prison. He considers the figure of Jesus as a supreme individualist and romantic artist.
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Public domain (US)·No sign-up·DRM-free·Real text, not scans
Copyright note. De Profundis by Oscar Wilde is believed to be in the public domain in the United States only. It may still be copyrighted in other countries. If you are not in the United States, please check your local laws to ensure this eBook is in the public domain in your country before downloading De Profundis in PDF or EPUB.
- Pages
- 39
- Reading time
- 1 hour 29 minutes
- Pace
- Intermediate
- First published
- 1897
- Language
- English
- Downloads
- 4,146
129 years later, still timely
Why Read De Profundis in 2026?
A long letter from prison about love, art, pride, and change. Vulnerable, incisive, and beautifully made.
Today's connection
Wilde examines failure without self-pity and beauty without masks. It’s a powerful text for discussions of accountability, forgiveness, and the artist’s life.
Letter as mirror
Form invites candor and craft.
Love reconsidered
Affection tested becomes clearer.
Owning harm
Remorse that builds, not flatters.
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About the author
Oscar Wilde
Paradox with poise; style used as ethics, defense, and delight in public life.
