Following his release from Reading Gaol in May 1897, Oscar Wilde was poverty stricken and in disgrace. After roaming Europe, he arrived in Taormina, Sicily.

Describing the British Library as a ‘national treasure’ seems almost like not doing it justice. After all, there are certain things — even people — that have attracted that tag whether, in my opinion, they deserve it or not. And, no, I won’t be naming names.

The plan: Dodge the awful February vibe in England (not least the dreary weather) and embrace the sexy idea of working from ‘home’ in another, warmer country. Getting away from the log-burning stove, the sacks of coal, the splintery logs, and the all-round miserable feeling that the dark and dank second month of the year unfailingly engenders.

I used to have a strict creative routine, and it was essential for me to follow it in order to be able to write. On the office chair and at my study's desk, at a keyboard, picking over every syllable and synonym, and absolutely no outside distractions. However, Something Happened which changed not only the routine but also my perspective on many things. The following piece was written shortly after Something Happened. I wrote it in longhand, fast. In a comfortable armchair.