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Oscar

By: Matthew Sturgis
Narrated by: Jot Davies
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Summary

Bloomsbury presents Oscar by Matthew Sturgis, read by Jot Davies.

The first major biography of Oscar Wilde in thirty years, and the most complete telling of his life and times to date.

NOMINATED FOR THE WOLFSON HISTORY PRIZE 2019

'The Book of the Year, perhaps of the decade' TLS

'Simply the best modern biography of Wilde... A terrific achievement' Evening Standard

'Page-turning... Vivid and desperately moving. However much you think you know Wilde, this book will absorb and entertain you' The Sunday TimesBooks of the Year

Oscar Wilde's life – like his wit – was alive with paradox. He was both an early exponent and a victim of 'celebrity culture': famous for being famous, he was lauded and ridiculed in equal measure. His achievements were frequently downplayed, his successes resented. He had a genius for comedy but strove to write tragedies. He was an unabashed snob who nevertheless delighted in exposing the faults of society. He affected a dandified disdain but was prone to great acts of kindness. Although happily married, he became a passionate lover of men and – at the very peak of his success – brought disaster upon himself. He disparaged authority, yet went to the law to defend his love for Lord Alfred Douglas. Having delighted in fashionable throngs, Wilde died almost alone. Above all, his flamboyant refusal to conform to the social and sexual orthodoxies of his day make him a hero and an inspiration to all who seek to challenge convention. Matthew Sturgis draws on a wealth of new material and fresh research, bringing alive the distinctive mood and characters of the fin de siècle in the richest and most compelling portrait of Wilde to date.

©2019 Matthew Sturgis (P)2023 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: LGBTQ+
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Lots of well-researched information excellently organized

This is a detailed account of Wilde’s life that keeps up a good pace. His rise and spectacular fall are superbly described and documented. The author never tries to influence the reader but presents the facts without prejudice. It’s impossible not to weep for Wilde as he undergoes humiliation and suffers in prison, but just as hard not to loathe him for his monstrous lack of consideration for his wife. He’s a fascinating figure who made his own life into a work of art. Kudos to Matthew Sturgis for writing such an outstanding biography.

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Accurate and truthful

Annoying narrator who emphasised the phrasing in a very strange way - quite distracting. The writing itself was most interesting and insightful

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