Sunday Blog: My Most Treasured Book

Happy Sunday everyone!

Before I get into this post, I just want to make it clear that this is not a politically motivated post. I have no desire to discuss politics or my political views on my blog.

The Soul of Man Under Socialism – Oscar Wilde

If someone told me I could only keep one book from my entire collection, this would be it. It is a print of Oscar Wilde’s essay The Soul of Man Under Socialism from 1904. This particular copy is no. 17 of 250.

This essay was originally published in 1891 and explores the effects of capitalism on society and the potential impact of moving towards a socialist standpoint.

So how did I come to own this book?

One of the primary reasons I decided to do this as today’s post is because last week (18th July specifically) marked 11 years since I graduated and 11 years since I received this book.

My wonderful partner knew (and still knows!) that I am a huge Oscar Wilde fan, and wanted to get something really special as a graduation gift. I was so touched by the thoughtfulness of his gift and still am 11 years later – especially considering that at the time we had only been together for two months.

I keep the book stored safely away in an archive bag to prevent deterioration. I take it out maybe once or twice a year but I’ve never been able to read this particular copy as it is too fragile.

So this is my most treasured book – I would love to know what your most treasured book is. Either leave a comment below or if you decide to do your own blog post, feel free to link it below.

Addyman Books

My copy of The Soul of Man Under Socialism was purchased from Addyman Books in Hay-on-Wye, Wales, UK.

If you’ve never heard of Hay-on-Wye make sure you look it up – it is a famous book town, full of bookshops with every genre imaginable. It’s one of my favourite places in Wales and I’ve been going there regularly since I was a child.