BOOKS: Oscar Wilde

The operatic life of Oscar Wilde! In terms of literary biography, nothing is more fun to read. In this regard Richard Ellmann’s 1988, “Oscar Wilde,” doesn’t disappoint. Ellmann worked 20 years on this biography and it shows. This work is reminiscent of Ellmann’s biography of James Joyce, which today is considered a literary classic. Much of the same skillful research, analysis and fine writing has also gone into “Oscar Wilde.” The portrait of Wilde that Ellmann paints is fascinating. All the major events in Wilde’s life are here of course covered in detail, but there is an incisive analysis that is often lacking in other biographies of Wilde. Ellmann’s biography is not just a recounting of events or the presentation of new material, it’s something different, a fascinating story told skillfully, The result: the reader comes away truly understanding what made Wilde tick, what made him take the risks he did with his various public dalliances. Particularly poignant is Ellmann’s recounting of the sad last years of Wilde’s life, after he was released from prison. Wilde eventually spiraled down into poverty and disgrace, cut off and ignored by both his family and his friends. But the little touches and details presented in this biography make it even better, for instance, we learn that Wilde was double jointed, he could speed read, he had tiny feet and that his teeth were blackened by mercury treatments. Somewhat voyeuristic, but fascinating to readers. Here we have a detailed portrait of a literary giant, an accurate assessment of his literary output and a generous supply of Wilde’s quotation and witticism. Every aspect of Wilde’s life is explored. If you are a Wilde fan this is a must read. Recommended.