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.

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!

This book elucidates how the late Victorian author, playwright and artist Oscar Wilde both mirrors and subverts the artificial gender roles of Victorian society in Lady Windermere’s Fan, An Ideal Husband and The Importance of Being Earnest, eventually introducing morally tangled definitions of womanhood and manhood. Apart from the common literature concerning Wilde's homosexual identity, it examines the invalidation of morality through a specific reading of the two established genders, and hence, brings in a particular dimension. Wilde destroys all moral balances while creating a new perception where no strict borders exist to separate the proper gender traits from the improper. The book is a reference source for undergraduate and graduate students, academics, and anyone interested in Wildean studies and the moral codes of Victorian society.

Palgrave Advances in Oscar Wilde Studies is a comprehensive guide to recent critical approaches. Topics covered include Gay Studies, Feminist Criticism, Material Culture, Religion, Philosophy, Performance Studies, Aestheticism, Biography, Textual Studies and Postcolonial Theory. The book is designed to acquaint readers of all levels with the history of scholarship in a range of fields and suggest ways that Wilde's work offer new areas for research. The collection also provides a Chronology and detailed bibliography.