Oscar Wilde letter reveals writing tips

The document, along with the poet and playwright’s first draft of his famous sonnet The New Remorse, was found in a dusty box in the back of a wardrobe. The 13-page letter is undated but is assumed to have been written around 1890, just as Wilde was becoming one of London’s most popular playwrights. It is a deep and insightful letter of reply to a wouldbe writer seeking tips on how to be successful. Wilde told him not to rely on earning a living from writing, adding: “The best work in literature is always done by those who do not depend on it for their daily bread and the highest form of literature, Poetry, brings no wealth to the singer. “Make some sacrifice for your art and you will be repaid but ask of art to sacrifice herself for you and a bitter disappointment may come to you.” The first draft of the poem The New Remorse was written by Wilde for his new lover, Lord Alfred Douglas after they had just met in 1891. Wilde writes about meeting the aristocrat, stating: “It is thy new-found Lord, and he shall kiss, the yet unravished roses of thy mouth.” It was Wilde’s relationship with Lord Douglas that led to his downfall after he attempted to sue his lover’s father for libel only to end up being jailed for gross indecency. The two documents were owned by a Victorian brewery owner who collected autographed letters and manuscripts. They were passed down his family to his granddaughter and were found by experts called to clear her estate in Shippon, near Abingdon, Oxon, after her death last November. Mike Heseltine, of specialist manuscript auctioneers Bloomsbury of London, said: “The letter is hitherto unknown and is entirely fascinating while the first draft of one of his most important poems is equally exciting. “It is hard to say whether Wilde knew the aspiring writer but he went on for 13 pages and was quite honest and direct in his words of advice. “The gist of it is telling the recipient, a Mr Morgan, to write by all means but to make sure he has some other job to rely on for money.” The documents once belonged to Lawrence Hodson, a wealthy brewery owner from the West Midlands who had contacts in the publishing world. The folded letter is estimated to sell for £12,000. The autographed draft of ‘The New Remorse’ was writtem on ‘Florence Hotel’ headed paper, and is expected to sell for £7,500. The auction takes place on April 4.