Unmasking of oscar wilde, the

Oscar Wilde, is as misunderstood today as he was in his own time. Vilified by fellow Victorians for his sexuality and his dandyism, these days he is hailed as a progressive sexual liberator. But this is not how Wilde saw himself. His actions and pretences did not bring him happiness and fulfilment - his art did. This is where Pearce's search for the man behind the masks is begins. Rather than lingering on the mistakes which brought him notoriety, this powerful new study of Wilde's brilliant and tragic life explores the emotional and spiritual search of this fascinating literary figure.