The Secret Life of Oscar Wilde

(Paperback)

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Description

Neil McKenna argues that our view of Oscar Wilde, even after Ellman's magisterial volume, is determined by Victorian sentimentality. In his own much more modern version of Wilde's story, he is not only extremely promiscuous but also a sort of campaigner for sexual freedom. He reveals, for example, that Wilde's relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas was not an idealistic doting on a beautiful boy, but that Bosie was the more dominant, experienced of the two, who used to go out hunting together for young boys. Wilde's last days in Paris were not, McKenna shows, miserable and defeated; Paris was for him an idyllic, sensual and intellectual playground free from the narrowness of London.

Reviews

Intriguing and entertaining...McKenna makes an impassioned case for re-gaying Wilde * The Times *
A groundbreaking new biography of our greatest queer martyr * Observer *
It cannot be recommended too highly. Extraordinary, intensely passionate and quite beautiful * Manchester Evening News *
This is by far and away the best biography of Oscar Wilde to date * John McRae, Professor of Literature *
A bold book * The Guardian *

Author Bio

Neil McKenna is a freelance journalist, particularly for the Guardian and the Independent and a freelance producer and researcher for Channel 4. He is a notable campaigner for gay rights - the Clause 24 debate being largely a result of his work.