Wittgenstein, Ludwig

making arrangements for a trip to Rosro cottage ("...I'm looking forward to seeing Rosro again after so many years..."), 1 page, 4to, lined paper, Kilpatrick House, Redcross, Co. Wicklow, 10 April 1948; with an envelope

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

"I can only think clearly in the dark, and in Connemara I have found one of the last pools of darkness in Europe" (Ludwig Wittgenstein)

In the spring of 1948 Wittgenstein had finally abandoned Cambridge, which he found increasingly unbearable, and was searching for the solitude he needed to work. He spent several months lodging in a farmhouse in Wicklow arranged by his friend, the psychiatrist Con Drury, but by April was feeling driven towards greater isolation. Rosro Cottage, which belonged to Drury's family, was ten miles from the nearest village in remote Connemara and Wittgenstein had previously visited in 1934. His return visit began on 28 April and he remained in the cottage until August. Thomas Mulkerrins (not Mulkerrin, as in Wittgenstein's letter) provided him with basic necessities during his stay and was the only local person with whom he had a conversation during these months. This was an intensely productive period in which Wittgenstein formulated many of the remarks in Part 2 of the Philosophical Investigations.