Letters to the Sphinx from Oscar Wilde
Subtitle: with reminiscences of the author
By: by Ada Leverson
Contributors: Leverson, Ada
Publisher: Duckworth
Published: 1930
Place of publication: [London]
Language: eng
Number of pages: 63
Subjects: Correspondence
Description: "Letters to the Sphinx contains five main sections: the first is a typically characterful, cantankerous and yet appreciative essay of explanation by Oscar Wilde's literary executor and close friend, Robert Ross. Then follow three major essays of reminiscence by the Sphinx herself, the book's compiler, Ada Leverson, also a dear friend of Wilde: The Importance of Being Oscar gives an iconically witty introduction to how Wilde operated and who he was; The Last First Night gives an elegiac impression of the atmosphere Wilde generated at the zenith of his career; and, finally, Afterwards is a sombrely quiet reflection on Wilde's trials and imprisonment, his troubles, as he called them. Finally it becomes Wilde's turn to speak. In thirty letters, letter-excerpts and telegrams his nature is impressed upon us. From his highest manner which surprisingly lacked stiffness, and in his lowest spirits which were plainly humble, his facility with and mastery of words and epigram are clearly evident, providing a compelling portrait of a personality which was, as Ross claims, 'unique in English literature'. This slender volume was originally published as a limited edition in 1930 ... "--From publisher's description (a later edition).
Notes: "Of this edition 275 copies ... have been printed, of which 250 are for sale"--P. [2].

This copy is no. 32. Signed: Ada Leverson.