3 Review(s)

Harris, a close contemporary of Wilde, provides readers with a firsthand perspective on Wilde’s character, intellect, and artistic vision. The biography chronicles Wilde's upbringing in Dublin, his education at Trinity College and Oxford, and his subsequent emergence as a leading figure in the London literary scene. Harris paints a vivid portrait of Wilde's flamboyant personality, wit, and the distinctive style that defined his work, exploring the themes of beauty, art, and individuality that permeated his writings.In this volume, Harris also addresses Wilde's relationships with influential figures, including his friendships with literary luminaries and his romantic entanglements. The biography delves into the social mores of the time, particularly Wilde's struggles with his sexuality in a society that condemned same-sex relationships. Harris presents an empathetic yet unflinching examination of the societal pressures and moral dilemmas that Wilde faced, setting the stage for the dramatic events that would later unfold in his life.