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charliemight's review against another edition
5.0
This is by far the most detailed and in-depth biography of Oscar Wilde available today, far outstripping even the most modern publications. Instead of focusing solely (as many do) on his trial and subsequent downfall, Hyde takes us through the author's life from the very beginning to the bitter end with equal verve, omitting nothing - even details which people who are familiar with his life may find difficult to read.
He also does enormous credit to himself and his subject by delving with great depth into Wilde's character outside of his public persona, and does not at any time allow his personhood to be diminished - as it too often is - to worldly saint or depraved sinner, artistic genius or hedonistic egotist, generous friend or spiteful harpy - though one must admit that he was by turns, and often at once, all of these, which is shown fairly and with excellent balance by the biographer.
Drawing from a multitude of sources from letters, books, newspapers and even personal interviews with several prominent figures in Oscar's life - not the least of whom being Bosie himself - we are offered a truly unprecedented access to the life of the one of the most brilliant artistic figures of the 19th century. This is simply required reading for anyone, fan or otherwise, with an interest in Oscar Wilde.
He also does enormous credit to himself and his subject by delving with great depth into Wilde's character outside of his public persona, and does not at any time allow his personhood to be diminished - as it too often is - to worldly saint or depraved sinner, artistic genius or hedonistic egotist, generous friend or spiteful harpy - though one must admit that he was by turns, and often at once, all of these, which is shown fairly and with excellent balance by the biographer.
Drawing from a multitude of sources from letters, books, newspapers and even personal interviews with several prominent figures in Oscar's life - not the least of whom being Bosie himself - we are offered a truly unprecedented access to the life of the one of the most brilliant artistic figures of the 19th century. This is simply required reading for anyone, fan or otherwise, with an interest in Oscar Wilde.
southbyseven's review
5.0
This is by far the most detailed and in-depth biography of Oscar Wilde available today, far outstripping even the most modern publications. Instead of focusing solely (as many do) on his trial and subsequent downfall, Hyde takes us through the author's life from the very beginning to the bitter end with equal verve, omitting nothing - even details which people who are familiar with his life may find difficult to read.
He also does enormous credit to himself and his subject by delving with great depth into Wilde's character outside of his public persona, and does not at any time allow his personhood to be diminished - as it too often is - to worldly saint or depraved sinner, artistic genius or hedonistic egotist, generous friend or spiteful harpy - though one must admit that he was by turns, and often at once, all of these, which is shown fairly and with excellent balance by the biographer.
Drawing from a multitude of sources from letters, books, newspapers and even personal interviews with several prominent figures in Oscar's life - not the least of whom being Bosie himself - we are offered a truly unprecedented access to the life of the one of the most brilliant artistic figures of the 19th century. This is simply required reading for anyone, fan or otherwise, with an interest in Oscar Wilde.
He also does enormous credit to himself and his subject by delving with great depth into Wilde's character outside of his public persona, and does not at any time allow his personhood to be diminished - as it too often is - to worldly saint or depraved sinner, artistic genius or hedonistic egotist, generous friend or spiteful harpy - though one must admit that he was by turns, and often at once, all of these, which is shown fairly and with excellent balance by the biographer.
Drawing from a multitude of sources from letters, books, newspapers and even personal interviews with several prominent figures in Oscar's life - not the least of whom being Bosie himself - we are offered a truly unprecedented access to the life of the one of the most brilliant artistic figures of the 19th century. This is simply required reading for anyone, fan or otherwise, with an interest in Oscar Wilde.
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