Oscar Wilde, genius of letters and a victim of Victorian hypocrisy.

Figure from the Museum of Ventura County collection.

Oscar Wilde timeless works, including “The Picture of Dorian Grey” and “The Importance of Being Ernest.

Oscar Wilde's downfall followed his conviction of “gross indecency” involving his homosexuality.

Genius of letters and a victim of Victorian hypocrisy.

Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde was an Irish playwright, novelist, poet, short story writer and Freemason. Known for his barbed and clever wit, he was one of the most successful playwrights of the late Victorian Age, and one of the greatest celebrities of his day. His downfall followed his conviction of “gross indecency” involving his homosexuality. He was imprisoned, abandoned by everyone and his life ruined. He fled to France, dying in poverty. Many of his timeless works, including “The Picture of Dorian Grey” and “The Importance of Being Ernest,” are still regularly produced for stage, screen and television.

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