Oscar Wilde's America: Counterculture in the Gilded Age : Book Review

"Oscar Wilde's America" by Mary Warner Blanchard offers readers an enthralling exploration of Oscar Wilde's visit to the United States in the late 19th century. Blanchard delves into Wilde's journey and provides a comprehensive understanding of the profound impact it had on both Wilde himself and American culture as a whole.

Blanchard begins the book by providing background information on Wilde, detailing his rise to fame and setting the stage for his American adventure. With meticulous research and attention to detail, she vividly recreates the atmosphere of the time period, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in Wilde's experiences.

Throughout the book, Blanchard guides readers through Wilde's tour, chronicling his encounters with prominent figures of the era and his interactions with the general public. She skillfully captures Wilde's charisma, audacity, and wit, showcasing how he left a lasting impression on the American public's perception of art and culture.

One of the strengths of Blanchard's work is her ability to intertwine Wilde's journey with the social and political climate of the United States during that time. She expertly highlights the tensions between traditional values and emerging modern ideals, painting a vivid picture of the cultural landscape Wilde encountered during his visit.

Overall, "Oscar Wilde's America" is a well-researched and captivating account of Wilde's tour and its profound significance in American history. Blanchard's accessible and compelling writing style makes it a great choice for both enthusiasts of Wilde and those interested in the exchange of ideas between Europe and America during the late 1800s. Readers will be captivated by Blanchard's thorough exploration of Wilde's journey and the lasting impact it had on shaping American culture.

What are readers saying?

"Oscar Wilde's America" by Mary Warner Blanchard has received mixed reviews from readers. The book delves into the renowned playwright's journey to America in the late 19th century and its impact on both his personal life and literary career.

Some reviewers praised Blanchard's meticulous research and attention to detail, noting that the book offers a captivating glimpse into Wilde's travels across America. They commended the author's thorough approach, which explores the social and cultural backdrop of the time. These readers found the book well-written and informative, enabling them to develop a deeper understanding of Wilde and the society he encountered during his journey.

However, other readers felt that the book lacked engaging storytelling and a coherent narrative structure. They found Blanchard's writing style to be dry and academic, making it challenging to stay engaged with the content. These reviewers also mentioned that the book heavily focused on dates, locations, and events, often neglecting to explore Wilde's emotional and personal experiences.

Furthermore, a few readers felt that the book lacked a clear direction, appearing disjointed and scattered. They believed that there were too many tangents and digressions that detracted from the main story. These reviewers believed that a stronger editorial hand could have improved the book's coherence and overall readability.

Regarding Wilde's portrayal, some readers appreciated Blanchard's objective approach, which presents both the positive and negative aspects of his personality and experiences. They found this balanced perspective refreshing and valued the comprehensive picture the author painted of the playwright. However, others felt that Wilde was depicted too harshly, with his flaws and controversies overshadowing his literary genius.

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