Oscar Wilde

Synopsis

Frank Harris, a journalist and editor, delighted in Oscar Wildes genial wit and selfassurance. Wildes verbal charms evoked Harris financial and emotional support when Victorian England disdained the playwright for his paganism and imprisoned him for homosexual offenses. Harris relates the proceedings of Wildes trial and the malice that sent him to France after release from Prison.

Later years found Harris increasingly frustrated with Wilde, as the playwrights humor gave way to bitterness and selfpity. Repeatedly, Harris urged the author of The Importance of Being Earnest to continue to write. His pleas met with excuses, indolence, and incessant requests for money. Harris frustration peaked when he bought an idea for a play from Wilde, then learned that Wilde had already sold the idea to several others.