Oscar Wilde: A Life

A Masterful Biography of a Literary Icon

Oscar Wilde: A Life is a comprehensive and captivating biography of one of the most celebrated and controversial figures in literary history. Written by renowned Wilde scholar Richard Ellmann, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of Wilde's life, from his early years in Ireland to his rise to fame as a playwright and wit in London, to his eventual downfall and imprisonment.

A Vivid Portrait of a Complex Character

Ellmann paints a vivid portrait of Wilde, capturing his brilliance, his wit, and his flaws. He delves into Wilde's complex personality, exploring his relationships with his family, his friends, and his lovers. Ellmann also provides a detailed analysis of Wilde's literary works, examining their themes, their style, and their impact on the literary world.

A Journey Through Wilde's World

The book takes readers on a journey through Wilde's world, from the glittering salons of London to the dark corners of Reading Gaol. Ellmann brings to life the people who surrounded Wilde, including his wife, Constance; his lover, Lord Alfred Douglas; and his literary contemporaries, such as George Bernard Shaw and W.B. Yeats.

A Must-Read for Literature Lovers

Oscar Wilde: A Life is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, biography, or the history of the Victorian era. Ellmann's masterful storytelling and meticulous research make this book a definitive work on one of the most fascinating figures in literary history.

Praise for Oscar Wilde: A Life

"A brilliant and comprehensive biography of one of the most fascinating figures in literary history." - The New York Times

"Ellmann's book is a masterpiece of scholarship and storytelling. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Wilde or the Victorian era." - The Guardian

"A tour de force of biography. Ellmann has written the definitive life of Oscar Wilde." - The Times Literary Supplement

About the Author

Richard Ellmann (1918-1987) was an American literary critic and biographer. He is best known for his biographies of Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, and Yeats. Ellmann was a professor of English at Northwestern University and Oxford University. He won numerous awards for his work, including the Pulitzer Prize for Biography in 1988.