L2L Master of Fallen Years (ft. Carol Andrews)

“Master of Fallen Years”

Vincent O’Sullivan

Known and praised as a writer and poet during the 1890s Decadent movement and beyond, American-born Vincent O’Sullivan died destitute in 1940 as the Nazis marched on Paris. His legacy as an author of the horror and gothic akin to Poe and as an ex-pat translator and critic who pulled no punches are oft forgotten, as is his final resting place and a trunk full of literary letters that was his only possession at the end. In his earlier years, he lived a luxurious life but was generous with his friends — including Oscar Wilde, whom he supported emotionally and financially when others had distanced themselves. His Aspects of Wilde, published in 1936, remains heralded as a must-read biography of Wilde and others in their orbit. This week, Leigh, P. T., and Dr. C examine what is known about O’Sullivan’s life, explore some of his poems from The Houses of Sin, and discuss his chilling tale “Master of Fallen Years.”