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Oscar Wilde, His Life and Confessions — Volume 1

by Frank Harris (1856–1931)

  • Free to read
  • 5 hours to read
  • 17 chapters
  • Reading level: 8th & 9th grade

"Oscar Wilde, His Life and Confessions — Volume 1" by Frank Harris is a historical account likely written in the early 20th century. The book explores the life of Oscar Wilde, detailing his tumultuous journey from his upbringing to his significant achievements and eventual downfall. It aims to present a sympathetic portrayal of Wilde, delving into the themes of genius, societal judgment, and the complexities of his character. The opening of the work sets the stage for Wilde's story by recounting the scandal involving his parents, particularly focused on the trial of Sir William Wilde, Oscar's father. This dramatic court case captures the public's attention as it unfolds, involving accusations of impropriety against Sir William and his wife, Lady Wilde. The narrative hints at the societal pressures and family dynamics that shaped Oscar Wilde's formative years, while also establishing the scandalous atmosphere that would later surround his own life. The introduction encapsulates Harris's intent to navigate through the trials of Wilde's family background as a precursor to understanding the character and struggles of Oscar Wilde himself.

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  • Wilde, Oscar, 1854-1900
  • Authors, Irish · 19th century · Biography

Read the opening

Chapter I — Oscar's Father and Mother on Trial

On the 12th of December, 1864, Dublin society was abuzz with excitement. A tidbit of scandal which had long been rolled on the tongue in semi-privacy was to be discussed in open court, and all women and a good many men were agog with curiosity and expectation.

The story itself was highly spiced and all the actors in it well known.

A famous doctor and oculist, recently knighted for his achievements, was the real defendant. He was married to a woman with a great literary reputation as a poet and writer who was idolized by the populace for her passionate advocacy of Ireland's claim to self-government; "Speranza" was regarded by the Irish people as a sort of Irish Muse.

The young lady bringing the action was the daughter of the professor of medical jurisprudence at Trinity College, who was also the chief at Marsh's library.

It was said that this Miss Travers, a pretty girl just out of her teens, had been seduced by Dr. Sir William Wilde while under his care as a patient. Some went so far as to say that chloroform had been used, and that the girl had been violated.

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Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Chapter I — Oscar's Father and Mother on Trial
  3. Chapter II — Oscar Wilde As a Schoolboy
  4. Chapter III — Trinity, Dublin: Magdalen, Oxford
  5. Chapter IV — Formative Influences: Oscar's Poems
  6. Chapter V — Oscar's Quarrel with Whistler and Marriage
  7. Chapter VI — Oscar Wilde's Faith and Practice
  8. Chapter VII — Oscar's Reputation and Supporters
  9. Chapter VIII — Oscar's Growth to Originality About 1890
  10. Chapter IX — The Summer of Success: Oscar's First Play
  11. Chapter X — The First Meeting with Lord Alfred Douglas
  12. Chapter XI — The Threatening Cloud Draws Nearer
  13. Chapter XII — Danger Signals: The Challenge
  14. Chapter XIII — Oscar Attacks Queensberry and Is Worsted
  15. Chapter XIV — How Genius Is Persecuted in England
  16. Chapter XV — The Queen Vs. Wilde: The First Trial
  17. Chapter XVI — Escape Rejected: The Second Trial and Sentence

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About this edition

This free edition of Oscar Wilde, His Life and Confessions — Volume 1 by Frank Harris comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #3662, released 2003-01-01. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Biographies, British Literature, History - Modern (1750+).

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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