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 YearOscar 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
