Wildes Women

“A lively debut biography of the flamboyant Irish writer . . . focusing on the women who loved and supported him” (Kirkus Reviews). In this essential work, Eleanor Fitzsimons reframes Oscar Wilde’s story and his legacy through the women in his life, including such scintillating figures as Florence Balcombe; actress Lillie Langtry; and his tragic and witty niece, Dolly, who, like Wilde, loved fast cars, cocaine, and foreign women. Fresh, revealing, and entertaining, full of fascinating detail and anecdotes, Wilde’s Women relates the untold story of how a beloved writer and libertine played a vitally sympathetic role on behalf of many women, and how they supported him in the midst of a Victorian society in the process of changing forever. “Fitzsimons reminds us of the many writers, actresses, political activists, professional beauties and aristocratic ladies who helped shape the life and legend of the era’s greatest wit, esthete and sexual martyr . . . provide[s] a potted biography of the multitalented writer and gay icon . . . highly enjoyable.” —The Washington Post “Fitzsimons brilliantly calls attention to the progressive ideas and beliefs which drew the most daring and interesting women of the time to his side. The depth and painstaking care of Fitzsimons’ research is a fitting tribute to Wilde’s fascinating life and exquisite writing—and really, what better compliment is there than that?” —High Voltage

Silver-medal Winner of the 2018 IPPY award for Biography The first book to tell the story of the female family members, friends, and colleagues who traded witticisms with Wilde, who gave him access to vital publicity, and to whose ideas he gave expression through his social comedies

Meet Robin Wilde: mum, newly-appointed official girlfriend, make-up artist extraordinaire and general plate-spinning, life-juggling, balance-seeking badass. Or so she likes to think. Everything seems to be slotting into place, not just for Robin but for her close-knit little world of friends and family too. Yet despite all that, she still feels like she's blagging it. Although things seem pretty great on paper, cracks are beginning to show. Robin's best friend Lacey is struggling to bond with her baby, her Auntie Kath suddenly seems distant and her daughter Lyla is finding it hard to adapt to having a man in their lives. For once everybody is depending on Robin, but the pressure is mounting and she's starting to feel overwhelmed. So, when Robin's asked to go to the States for work, it seems like the getaway they all need. Look out New York, Robin and her girls are on their way! But will the city that never sleeps make or break them?

As the first collection of essays about Oscar Wilde's comedies, the contributors re-evaluate Oscar Wilde's society plays as 'comedies of manners" to see whether this is actually an apt way to read Wilde's most emblematic plays. Focusing on both the context and the texts, the collection locates Wilde both in his social and literary contexts.

Inspired by the novels of Jane Austen, this new mystery series set in 19th-century London introduces the charming and resourceful Rosalind Thorne, a woman privy to the secrets of high society—including who among the ton is capable of murder... The daughter of a baronet and minor heiress, Rosalind Thorne was nearly ruined after her father abandoned the family. To survive in the only world she knew, she began to manage the affairs of some of London society’s most influential women, who have come to rely on her wit and discretion. So, when artistocratic wastrel Jasper Aimesworth is found dead in London’s most exclusive ballroom, Almack’s, Rosalind must use her skills and connections to uncover the killer from a list of suspects that includes Almack’s powerful patronesses and her former suitor Devon Winterbourne, now Lord Casselmaine. Torn between her old love and a growing attraction to a compelling Bow Street runner, Rosalind must not only unravel the mysteries surrounding Jasper’s death, but the mysteries of her own heart as well...

Unlock the more straightforward side of A Woman of No Importance with this concise and insightful summary and analysis! This engaging summary presents an analysis of A Woman of No Importance by Oscar Wilde, which tells the story of Gerald Arbuthnot, who has just been offered a job by the renowned dandy Lord Illingworth. However, his mother, who presents herself as a respectable churchgoing widow, strongly objects when she discovers his intentions, though she is reluctant to reveal the reason why; namely, that Lord Illingworth is actually Gerald’s father. Oscar Wilde was one of the most fascinating authors of the 19th century, known as much for his witticisms as for his writing. His most notable works include the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray and the comic plays An Ideal Husband and The Importance of Being Earnest. Find out everything you need to know about A Woman of No Importance in a fraction of the time! This in-depth and informative reading guide brings you: • A complete plot summary • Character studies • Key themes and symbols • Questions for further reflection Why choose BrightSummaries.com? Available in print and digital format, our publications are designed to accompany you on your reading journey. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time. See the very best of literature in a whole new light with BrightSummaries.com!

Placing an ad in an East-West dating service, Jack Pepper of Atlanta and his neighbor Hank have set out to find angels--old fashioned girls who will cater to their every need. But their ad taps them into a blood-shrouded cult whose enticing members are dressed in red leather . . . and dressed to kill. They will tease and torture their men, and make them beg for their very lives.