Title
The Real Trial of Oscar Wilde: The First Uncensored Transcript of The Trial of Oscar Wilde vs. John Douglas (Marquess of Queensb,New
Sold by Ergodebooks, an authorized reseller.
Returns accepted within 30 days | support@ergodebooks.com
Shipping Information
- Free Standard Shipping — United States only
- Processing Time: 1–3 business days
- Estimated Delivery: 3–5 business days after dispatch
- Double-boxed, fully insured & discreetly packaged
- Tracking number sent via email once dispatched
- Orders over $250 require signature upon delivery. Taxes calculated at checkout.
Returns & Refund
Returns accepted within 30 days of delivery.
Damaged or Defective Item
Free return shipping + replacement or full refund
Wrong Item Received
Free return shipping + replacement or full refund
Change of Mind
Return shipping at customer's expense · 25% restocking fee applies
Payment Option
London's Central Criminal Court Sessions Papers for April 1895 were blunt, declaring that 'the details of this case are unfit for publication.' The case was Oscar Wilde's first trial, a libel action brought against the Marquess of Queensberry for publicly calling him a homosexual. What unfolded in the court was one of Victorian London's most infamous scandals: the great, doomed love affair between Wilde and Lord Alfred 'Bosie' Douglas, the Marquess's son. When it became public, it cost Wilde everything.Merlin Holland, Wilde's grandson and a noted researcher and archivist, has discovered the original transcript of the trial that led to his grandfather's tragedy. Here for the first time is the true, uncensored record, free of the distortions and censorship of previous accounts.On 18 February 1895, Bosie's father delivered a note to the Albemarle Club addressed to 'Oscar Wilde posing as a somdomite [sic].' With Bosie's encouragement, Wilde decided to sue the Marquess for libel. As soon as the trial opened, London's literary darling was at the center of the greatest scandal of his time.Wilde's fall from grace was swift: having lost this case, he was in turn prosecuted and later imprisoned. Bankrupted, he fled to Paris never to see his family again. Within five years he was dead, his health never having recovered from the years in Reading gaol.This remarkable book reveals Wilde on trial for his life, though he did not know it his confidence ebbing under the relentless crossquestioning, the wit for which he was so celebrated gradually deserting him under the remorseless scrutiny. The tragic climax falls when Wilde is betrayed by his own cleverness, unconsciously playing into the prosecutor's hands. With that his cause is lost.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main focus of 'The Real Trial of Oscar Wilde'? A: The book focuses on the first uncensored transcript of Oscar Wilde's trial against the Marquess of Queensberry in 1895, revealing the details of a scandal that led to Wilde's downfall.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'The Real Trial of Oscar Wilde' is Merlin Holland, who is Oscar Wilde's grandson and a noted researcher and archivist.
- Q: What is the significance of the original transcript discovered by Merlin Holland? A: The original transcript is significant as it provides an unaltered account of the trial, free from the distortions and censorship found in previous publications.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is available in hardcover binding, which provides durability and a premium feel.
- Q: How many pages does 'The Real Trial of Oscar Wilde' contain? A: The book contains 384 pages, offering an in-depth exploration of the trial and its historical context.
- Q: When was 'The Real Trial of Oscar Wilde' published? A: The book was published on November 4, 2003.
- Q: What themes are explored in this book? A: The book explores themes of scandal, societal norms of Victorian London, personal betrayal, and the tragic consequences of Wilde's trial.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic research? A: Yes, this book is suitable for academic research as it provides original documents and insights into a pivotal moment in literary and social history.
- Q: Can I expect any illustrations or photographs in this book? A: The book primarily contains text and does not focus on illustrations or photographs, as it is centered on the trial transcript.
- Q: What condition is the book in if I purchase it? A: The book is listed as 'New', ensuring that it is in pristine condition upon purchase.