Oscar Wilde

Richard Ellman’s biography is perfect. The prose stule is a work of thorough research, which contains Wilde’s brilliant examples of humor and genius combined with his tragic confusion between his martyrdom in an English court into which be was tricked into defending himself with Bosie Douglas and the Puritan remnants permeating English courts vs. going ( some may refer to fleeing) any Latin country FIRST and letting his work speak for itself!

remarkable well written book. it tells you about his roots in ireland and his family. his education at trinity college in dublin, ireland and his education at oxford university in england. he had a lot of friends. some of his friends were famous. he even got married and had two children by his wife. he knew that he was gay. he feel in love with a Lord's son which prove to be his downfall. he went to prison for about two years in england, he had to due hard labor. he exile himself to italy after being incarcerate. his wife changed her last name. a plus before he ever had this horrible scandal, he did a tour of the united states and was well received. he even met walt whitman. their are interesting picture in the book. worth reading. it is intriguing

I couldn't believe the depths Ellmann takes the reader in his biography of Oscar Wilde. Everything; every aspect of Wilde's life is thoroughly explored. The best single word review of this book would be just that; thorough. On the other hand, the text is very dry at times, and you may find yourself frusterated. It always seems that, too often, biographies fall victim of the "dry writer."

This book will tear your heart. The infamy of his prosecution, and persecution, is beyond words. He never savaged his detractors as they did him, primarily the execrable egotist, the tiny little man named Whistler but also Swinburne, so cowardly yet such an unforgettable poet. But at least Swinburne had an excuse since he was psychologically damaged. How many benefitted from his help or encouragement in his glory days, yet figuratively spat at him when a maniac (the Marquess of Queensberry) pursued him to his destruction. His magnificent Biblical drama Salome and the poems inspired by his prison stay will not be forgotten. Nor will Dorian Grey, the ultimate in the tracing of a descent into unspeakable depths. And somewhere down there in those depths can be discerned the ridiculous yet hideous spirit of Alfred Douglas, a man whose existence was totally pointless. Among the numberless acquaintances of this tragic figure I must pay tribute to Nellie Melba, rarely described as warm-hearted, but it was she who emptied her purse for him on a Paris street when, threadbare and penniless, he was forced to ask for money. That powerfully descriptive phrase "emptied her purse" is straight from the book, just one of many memorable phrases that make the history live for the reader. I believe there never was and never will be a superior biography of Oscar Wilde.

A real door-stop at 600 pages of 7-point type, but you'll want to read every word of it. It's a triumph of loving research. I would describe Ellmann's prose as more workmanlike than entertaining, but that's perfectly OK, because Oscar's life was so amazing that any biographer's vanity would only get in the way. If you have any humanity at all, you'll finish this book having fallen in love with Oscar and identifying with him. You will hate his persecutors, tormenters, and deserters, and especially you will loathe the rot and ugliness of class. You will finally feel drained, crushed, and utterly devastated. But you will come away wiser and strangely more sympathetic and loving toward all humans, as Oscar was, not because they are lovable, but because you happen to be one.

Enjoyed this bio. Have always wanted to read about him in more detail. This certainly goes into detail about every aspect of his life. It was well written and kept my interest. Oxford at that time was certainly different! Lots of quotes and poems and interesting facts about artists and academics. The writing was so small I almost needed stronger glasses - this is my only criticism but I should have checked first!

Lo que esperaba, un poco usado pero en buen estado.

As someone who loves biographies and has read dozens of them, I can say - hand on heart - that this is the best I've ever read. Who knows how intimidating it must be to look up at a mountain the size of Wilde, knowing that whatever you write has to do the subject justice? Whatever the case, Ellmann reached the summit. This is an immensely moving, intimate, intricate read, full of enthralling facts and detail, and beautifully written. If you've the remotest interest in Wilde, READ THIS BOOK. It will surely be forever regarded as the definitive over-view of Wilde's life.

La migliore biografia di Wilde!

Gostei muito do livro. Bem conservado e chegou embalado com zelo e cuidado. O vendedor foi prestativo no esclarecimento da dúvida antes da compra.

This book was obviously well-researched and so well-written. You wouldn't read this book unless you were interested in the life of Oscar Wilde. I can only recommend it as an excellent read.