Oscar Wilde, the Story of an Unhappy Friendship: With Portraits and Facsimile Letters

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This historic book may contain numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can often download a free scanned copy of the original book from the publisher. Not indexed or illustrated, this is the 1902 edition. An excerpt describes an evening at Hotel Voltaire, where Rollinat recited his haunting Ballad of Troppmann, a poem that evoked a sense of horror through the author's wild gestures. Oscar Wilde expressed deep satisfaction during this performance, while the narrator felt a profound melancholy. This prompted reflection on whether Wilde should have intervened to help Rollinat, whose state suggested a need for support. The narrator questioned Wilde the next day, asking if he would rescue someone attempting suicide in the river. Wilde's response revealed his belief that such an act would be a calculated decision, one he felt he should not disrupt. This perspective highlighted Wilde's complex nature, embodying both supreme egotism and genuine altruism. He demonstrated a unique blend of individualism and generosity, lacking the hidden selfishness often found in self-sacrifice, which his strong character resisted.