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  • Oscar

  • A Life
  • Written by: Matthew Sturgis
  • Narrated by: Jot Davies
  • Length: 36 hrs and 8 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (1 rating)

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Oscar

Written by: Matthew Sturgis
Narrated by: Jot Davies
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Publisher's Summary

Bloomsbury presents Oscar by Matthew Sturgis, read by Jot Davies.

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 Year

Oscar 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 kindness. Although happily married, he became a passionate lover of men and – at the very peak of his success – brought disaster upon himself. He disparaged authority, yet went to the law to defend his love for Lord Alfred Douglas. Having delighted in fashionable throngs, Wilde died almost alone. Above all, his flamboyant refusal to conform to the social and sexual orthodoxies of his day make him a hero and an inspiration to all who seek to challenge convention. Matthew Sturgis draws on a wealth of new material and fresh research, bringing alive the distinctive mood and characters of the fin de siècle in the richest and most compelling portrait of Wilde to date.

©2019 Matthew Sturgis (P)2023 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
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Fantastic and gripping book

The best audiobook I have listened to and beautifully narrated by Jot Davies. By slowing it down to .7 I was able to savor every word and turn of phrase. It was 45 hours and I was never bored. Some parts are hard to listen to, but I really feel that after experiencing this book I knew the man inside out… His brilliance, his genius, his foolishness, his gluttony, his generosity of spirit, his charm and his tragic demise. The author has given us such insights into his days in Oxford, his American tours, and his time living in London, Paris, and Naples. What a remarkable human being. I am now motivated to find out what happened to his children and friends. Thank you Mathew Sturgis for writing this detailed masterpiece on the life of Oscar Wilde.

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