What do you think?
Rate this book
Ein Leben In Briefen
Es ist nicht klug, der Welt sein Herz zu zeigen. In einem so vulgären Zeitalter wie diesem benötigen wir alle Masken. So kennt ihn die Welt - Oscar Wilde, den Meister der Selbstinszenierung, der mit Rollenspiel und faszinierenden Posen das Publikum seiner Zeit verzückte und auch verschreckte. In seinen Briefen dagegen erleben wir ihn unverstellt - spontan, warmherzig, freundschaftlich besorgt, boshaft, selbstironisch, berechnend, leidenschaftlich, alltagsnüchtern. In einer sehr persönlichen Briefauswahl bringt sein Enkel Merlin Holland uns den glänzenden Stilisten Wilde nahe, mehr aber noch: den Menschen.
Merlin Holland beschäftigt sich seit fünfundzwanzig Jahren mit dem Werk seines Großvaters. Zusammen mit Rupert Hart-Davis gab er die erste vollständige Ausgabe von Wildes 1562 erhaltenen Briefen heraus. Hier legt er nun eine Auswahl von 400 Briefen vor, die einer Quintessenz gleichkommt. Denn das war seine Absicht: dieses spannungsreiche Leben in Briefen einzufangen und sie so zu arrangieren, dass der Akteur in neuem Licht erscheint. Ungeschönt, von allen Seiten erfasst - der Mensch Oscar Wilde.
Merlin Holland beschäftigt sich seit fünfundzwanzig Jahren mit dem Werk seines Großvaters. Zusammen mit Rupert Hart-Davis gab er die erste vollständige Ausgabe von Wildes 1562 erhaltenen Briefen heraus. Hier legt er nun eine Auswahl von 400 Briefen vor, die einer Quintessenz gleichkommt. Denn das war seine Absicht: dieses spannungsreiche Leben in Briefen einzufangen und sie so zu arrangieren, dass der Akteur in neuem Licht erscheint. Ungeschönt, von allen Seiten erfasst - der Mensch Oscar Wilde.
607 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1995
34 people are currently reading
707 people want to read
About the author
Oscar Wilde
5,627 books39.2k followersOscar Fingal O'Fflahertie Wills Wilde was an Irish poet and playwright. After writing in different forms throughout the 1880s, he became one of the most popular playwrights in London in the early 1890s. He is best remembered for his epigrams and plays, his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, and his criminal conviction for gross indecency for homosexual acts.
Wilde's parents were Anglo-Irish intellectuals in Dublin. In his youth, Wilde learned to speak fluent French and German. At university, he read Greats; he demonstrated himself to be an exceptional classicist, first at Trinity College Dublin, then at Magdalen College, Oxford. He became associated with the emerging philosophy of aestheticism, led by two of his tutors, Walter Pater and John Ruskin. After university, Wilde moved to London into fashionable cultural and social circles.
Wilde tried his hand at various literary activities: he wrote a play, published a book of poems, lectured in the United States and Canada on "The English Renaissance" in art and interior decoration, and then returned to London where he lectured on his American travels and wrote reviews for various periodicals. Known for his biting wit, flamboyant dress and glittering conversational skill, Wilde became one of the best-known personalities of his day. At the turn of the 1890s, he refined his ideas about the supremacy of art in a series of dialogues and essays, and incorporated themes of decadence, duplicity, and beauty into what would be his only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890). Wilde returned to drama, writing Salome (1891) in French while in Paris, but it was refused a licence for England due to an absolute prohibition on the portrayal of Biblical subjects on the English stage. Undiscouraged, Wilde produced four society comedies in the early 1890s, which made him one of the most successful playwrights of late-Victorian London.
At the height of his fame and success, while An Ideal Husband (1895) and The Importance of Being Earnest (1895) were still being performed in London, Wilde issued a civil writ against John Sholto Douglas, the 9th Marquess of Queensberry for criminal libel. The Marquess was the father of Wilde's lover, Lord Alfred Douglas. The libel hearings unearthed evidence that caused Wilde to drop his charges and led to his own arrest and criminal prosecution for gross indecency with other males. The jury was unable to reach a verdict and so a retrial was ordered. In the second trial Wilde was convicted and sentenced to two years' hard labour, the maximum penalty, and was jailed from 1895 to 1897. During his last year in prison he wrote De Profundis (published posthumously in abridged form in 1905), a long letter that discusses his spiritual journey through his trials and is a dark counterpoint to his earlier philosophy of pleasure. On the day of his release, he caught the overnight steamer to France, never to return to Britain or Ireland. In France and Italy, he wrote his last work, The Ballad of Reading Gaol (1898), a long poem commemorating the harsh rhythms of prison life.
Wilde's parents were Anglo-Irish intellectuals in Dublin. In his youth, Wilde learned to speak fluent French and German. At university, he read Greats; he demonstrated himself to be an exceptional classicist, first at Trinity College Dublin, then at Magdalen College, Oxford. He became associated with the emerging philosophy of aestheticism, led by two of his tutors, Walter Pater and John Ruskin. After university, Wilde moved to London into fashionable cultural and social circles.
Wilde tried his hand at various literary activities: he wrote a play, published a book of poems, lectured in the United States and Canada on "The English Renaissance" in art and interior decoration, and then returned to London where he lectured on his American travels and wrote reviews for various periodicals. Known for his biting wit, flamboyant dress and glittering conversational skill, Wilde became one of the best-known personalities of his day. At the turn of the 1890s, he refined his ideas about the supremacy of art in a series of dialogues and essays, and incorporated themes of decadence, duplicity, and beauty into what would be his only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890). Wilde returned to drama, writing Salome (1891) in French while in Paris, but it was refused a licence for England due to an absolute prohibition on the portrayal of Biblical subjects on the English stage. Undiscouraged, Wilde produced four society comedies in the early 1890s, which made him one of the most successful playwrights of late-Victorian London.
At the height of his fame and success, while An Ideal Husband (1895) and The Importance of Being Earnest (1895) were still being performed in London, Wilde issued a civil writ against John Sholto Douglas, the 9th Marquess of Queensberry for criminal libel. The Marquess was the father of Wilde's lover, Lord Alfred Douglas. The libel hearings unearthed evidence that caused Wilde to drop his charges and led to his own arrest and criminal prosecution for gross indecency with other males. The jury was unable to reach a verdict and so a retrial was ordered. In the second trial Wilde was convicted and sentenced to two years' hard labour, the maximum penalty, and was jailed from 1895 to 1897. During his last year in prison he wrote De Profundis (published posthumously in abridged form in 1905), a long letter that discusses his spiritual journey through his trials and is a dark counterpoint to his earlier philosophy of pleasure. On the day of his release, he caught the overnight steamer to France, never to return to Britain or Ireland. In France and Italy, he wrote his last work, The Ballad of Reading Gaol (1898), a long poem commemorating the harsh rhythms of prison life.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 19, 2013
It's weird how reading can make you feel so close to someone. I've been reading books by and from Wilde since I was fourteen years old, and I've started caring about him like he was a friend of mine. Does that sound silly? I assume it does. Nevertheless, it did make reading this book a challenge, since I kept choking up at certain parts. Sometimes, I could only read one letter a day.
It felt very personal, very intrusive: this wasn't the idealized, idolized hero of my lonely teenage years, but a real, living, breathing person with all their magnificent flaws and faults. Oscar Wilde, always playing a scene, so convincing that he ended up believing himself: that he'd love married life, that Lord Alfred was an angel among humans, that Lord Alfred was a devil among humans, that he'd live a reformed, quiet life in the country after being released from prison (like Francesco d'Assisi!), that living together with Lord Alfred would bring his old self back. So deluded, so stubborn, so self-destructive; yet such a dazzling personality, such a kind friend, such a loving father. Human nature is very complicated indeed.
But what about this book? It includes letters from his early childhood days till the sad last days in Paris. They paint an encompassing picture of his life, although I wish I'd be able to read the answers from the recipients, too, just to be able to see their point of view - the letters from Constance and Robbie Ross that were included were very interesting in that regard. Nevertheless I recommend this book, although you should have some knowledge of his life prior to starting it or it might get a tad confusing. (Barbara Belford or Richard Ellmann are good starting points.)
It felt very personal, very intrusive: this wasn't the idealized, idolized hero of my lonely teenage years, but a real, living, breathing person with all their magnificent flaws and faults. Oscar Wilde, always playing a scene, so convincing that he ended up believing himself: that he'd love married life, that Lord Alfred was an angel among humans, that Lord Alfred was a devil among humans, that he'd live a reformed, quiet life in the country after being released from prison (like Francesco d'Assisi!), that living together with Lord Alfred would bring his old self back. So deluded, so stubborn, so self-destructive; yet such a dazzling personality, such a kind friend, such a loving father. Human nature is very complicated indeed.
But what about this book? It includes letters from his early childhood days till the sad last days in Paris. They paint an encompassing picture of his life, although I wish I'd be able to read the answers from the recipients, too, just to be able to see their point of view - the letters from Constance and Robbie Ross that were included were very interesting in that regard. Nevertheless I recommend this book, although you should have some knowledge of his life prior to starting it or it might get a tad confusing. (Barbara Belford or Richard Ellmann are good starting points.)
July 7, 2020
Cuando comencé con la lectura de este libro pensé que me iba a costar muchísimo leer lo que fue la correspondencia personal de Oscar Wilde, pero la verdad es que las páginas se me pasaron volando y disfrute bastante esta selección. La figura de este escritor y dramaturgo siempre me ha parecido fascinante. Su única novela, El Retrato de Dorian Gray, es mi libro favorito y la historia de su vida despierta constante interés en mi.
La verdad que este libro vale ampliamente la pena. Te lleva en una aventura cronológica por la vida de Wilde y es increíble ver como este hombre iba creciendo, pasando del éxito al fracaso y volviendo a sus viejos "vicios" de siempre. Por otro lado, es de perspectiva única ver como se relacionaban las personas con él, quiénes permanecieron fieles después de su caída y quiénes frente al que dirán sabían de su homosexualidad y siempre lo apoyaron... a pesar de la complicada persona que era; mención honorifica y figura que me resulta muy interesante es un amigo fiel Robert Ross (me siento identificada con él).
En fin, un MUST READ para quién este interesado en el autor.
La verdad que este libro vale ampliamente la pena. Te lleva en una aventura cronológica por la vida de Wilde y es increíble ver como este hombre iba creciendo, pasando del éxito al fracaso y volviendo a sus viejos "vicios" de siempre. Por otro lado, es de perspectiva única ver como se relacionaban las personas con él, quiénes permanecieron fieles después de su caída y quiénes frente al que dirán sabían de su homosexualidad y siempre lo apoyaron... a pesar de la complicada persona que era; mención honorifica y figura que me resulta muy interesante es un amigo fiel Robert Ross (me siento identificada con él).
En fin, un MUST READ para quién este interesado en el autor.
January 22, 2022
this made me feel so close to this guy,,,, like I've been reading it for weeks and i feel like i have such insight into his life. it was personal and extremely interesting. idk if my oscar wilde phase will ever end lmao
April 23, 2025
Las tres estrellas son más por la cantidad de cartas sobre finanzas y préstamos de dinero que continuamente enviaba Oscar Wilde y que a la larga se tornaron muy pesadas.
Por otra parte, siempre es bueno conocer ciertos detalles sobre la vida de un escritor tan polémico; su paso por Oxford, sus giras dando conferencias por Norte América, el cómo se preocupaba por perfeccionar sus obras y hasta enviaba cartas a sus críticos para defenderlas jaja.
Una vida trágica, no obstante, yo creo que a Oscar Wilde le gustaría saber que a la larga el mundo terminó reconociendo el valor de sus obras y que el apellido que heredo de sus padres no ha sido mancillado en lo más mínimo.
«Sabía que iba a causar gran sensación» citando El insigne cohete, uno de sus cuentos infantiles 🙂↕️
Por otra parte, siempre es bueno conocer ciertos detalles sobre la vida de un escritor tan polémico; su paso por Oxford, sus giras dando conferencias por Norte América, el cómo se preocupaba por perfeccionar sus obras y hasta enviaba cartas a sus críticos para defenderlas jaja.
Una vida trágica, no obstante, yo creo que a Oscar Wilde le gustaría saber que a la larga el mundo terminó reconociendo el valor de sus obras y que el apellido que heredo de sus padres no ha sido mancillado en lo más mínimo.
«Sabía que iba a causar gran sensación» citando El insigne cohete, uno de sus cuentos infantiles 🙂↕️
July 24, 2012
This is a wonderful insight to the man and author, Oscar Wilde. His letters were written to friends and professionals without the thought of anyone else reading them. It also shows how he rose from an academic youth to a mature professional. He was a delightful character who was used unfairly and gone too soon.
June 22, 2024
Hvílíkur penni. Ljóðrænn, skarpur, drepfyndinn, þenkjandi, leitandi, dramatískur. Því meira sem ég les eftir Wilde því sorglegri verður saga hans fyrir mér. Einn af okkar allra, allra bestu. Það eru allt of margar tilvitnanir í hann sjálfan sem mig langaði að setja hérna inn, en mér finnst það sem Robbie Ross skrifaði um Wilde eftir fráfall hans eiginlega segja allt:
“Later on I think everyone will recognise his achievements; his plays and essays will endure. Of course you may think with others that his personality and conversation were far more wonderful than anything he wrote, so that his written works give only a pale reflection of his power. Perhaps that is so, and of course it will be impossible to reproduce what is gone forever.”
Ef það er rétt, sem ég á auðvelt með að trúa, að hann hafi verið enn betri í eigin persónu heldur en á blaðsíðu þá undirstrikar það enn meira hversu magnaður karakter þetta var.
Bókin var sett mjög skemmtilega upp, í krónólógískri röð og bréf flokkuð eftir tímabilum lífs hans. 4.5/5
“Later on I think everyone will recognise his achievements; his plays and essays will endure. Of course you may think with others that his personality and conversation were far more wonderful than anything he wrote, so that his written works give only a pale reflection of his power. Perhaps that is so, and of course it will be impossible to reproduce what is gone forever.”
Ef það er rétt, sem ég á auðvelt með að trúa, að hann hafi verið enn betri í eigin persónu heldur en á blaðsíðu þá undirstrikar það enn meira hversu magnaður karakter þetta var.
Bókin var sett mjög skemmtilega upp, í krónólógískri röð og bréf flokkuð eftir tímabilum lífs hans. 4.5/5
March 27, 2013
Me he leído la traducción en mi idioma. La verdad es que es una muy buena forma de leer la biografía de Wilde. Escritor y artista que admiro muchísimo. Aunque creo que podía haberse ahorrado muchas cartas de se período poscárcel. Realmente vemos a un Wilde que siempre trata de conseguir dinero y eso es más de una cuarta parte del libro. Se hace un poco pesado.
También he echado de menos más cartas dirigidas a su mujer, cartas de amor y lo mismo de Bosie. Asegura que dirigió un montón de bellas cartas a estas dos personas las cuales omite.
A pesar de todo esto he disfrutado mucho de la lectura. Es una forma genial de descubrir a Wilde.
También he echado de menos más cartas dirigidas a su mujer, cartas de amor y lo mismo de Bosie. Asegura que dirigió un montón de bellas cartas a estas dos personas las cuales omite.
A pesar de todo esto he disfrutado mucho de la lectura. Es una forma genial de descubrir a Wilde.
November 4, 2017
Oscar Wilde could not control his actions, emotions or desires. His unlawful carnal lifestyle resulted in incarceration. Once released from prison, he attempted to live with dignity, but having lost the status of reputable citizen needed to earn, he sunk into what might be thought of as the life of starving artist.
This book is a compilation of previously unpublished letters from OW to his contemporaries. It seemed voyeuristic to see into OW's personal life, like a Peeping Tom has an unhealthy interest in watching through an undraped window.
The redeeming value of this book is for anyone interested in the era or in the artistic genius of the man.
This book is a compilation of previously unpublished letters from OW to his contemporaries. It seemed voyeuristic to see into OW's personal life, like a Peeping Tom has an unhealthy interest in watching through an undraped window.
The redeeming value of this book is for anyone interested in the era or in the artistic genius of the man.
July 31, 2024
i felt as if i’ve been transported back in time while reading these letters. like… oscar’s my best friend actually what do you mean he’s dead?
October 13, 2020
"To be great is to be misunderstood."
Can't decide what was more appealing- Oscar Wilde's work or simply his character. This was a great look at the man behind the curtain, and seeing his rise and fall in the public eye. I really enjoyed the addition of a few letters from his correspondents to see how they felt about him as well.
Can't decide what was more appealing- Oscar Wilde's work or simply his character. This was a great look at the man behind the curtain, and seeing his rise and fall in the public eye. I really enjoyed the addition of a few letters from his correspondents to see how they felt about him as well.
November 15, 2015
Definitely an interesting look into the behaviors of Oscar Wilde. Having also read other "Letters from" type books, I feel that there is a potential to miss things that are significant and perhaps private. Even a man like Oscar probably did not write about every instance of his life. Much of such things, however, probably have no record.
Read
November 23, 2012I made it to page 279. I wanted to love this book, I really did. I just couldn't do it. And now, seeing as it's been on my "currently reading" shelf for almost 3 years, I've decided to let it go, and not finish it. I really did try to love it. I just couldn't.
December 17, 2016
An incredible overview of Oscar Wilde's life that includes letters, writings, quotes and old photographs. It details his birth, college life, trips to other countries, friends he made and lost, and his death.
May 25, 2011
Wow, just wow. This book speaks with the words of Mr. Wilde himself and overwhelmed me like a clinging vine overwhelms and gently suffocates a mighty oak.
I'm never going to forget this.
I'm never going to forget this.
August 17, 2015
This is a really nice look at Wilde's life through images as well as letters, witicisms and biography.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews