【奧斯卡·王爾德的第一部主要傳記，也是迄今為止對他的生平和時代最完整的講述】 ✰ 衛報等英美媒體專文報導 ✰ 周日泰晤士報年度好書 ✰ 倫敦時報譽為當代最好的王爾德傳記 他的生活就像他的機智一樣充滿了悖論。英國歷史學者的傳記史詩道盡王爾德的悲喜人生，獲媒體高度好評。 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.