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Best books by Richard Ellmann
12th Oct 2025
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Richard Ellmann stands as a titan of modern biography, renowned for his profound insights and meticulous scholarship that breathed life into some of literature's most enigmatic figures. His ability to weave complex intellectual histories with intimate personal portraits has captivated readers and critics alike, cementing his reputation as a master storyteller and insightful critic. From the lyrical intricacies of James Joyce's life to the existential depths of Oscar Wilde's art and suffering, Ellmann's works are more than just biographies; they are immersive journeys into the minds and worlds of literary giants. This rateable list celebrates the enduring impact and exceptional quality of Richard Ellmann's most celebrated books. We invite you to explore his masterful biographies and critical studies, and to share your own perspectives by rating each title. Your ratings will help fellow literary enthusiasts discover the profound depth and enduring brilliance of Ellmann's contributions to our understanding of literature and the lives that shaped it.
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#9.
Oscar Wilde: A Biography
9/9
...
In *Oscar Wilde: A Biography*, Richard Ellmann offers a definitive and compelling portrayal of the legendary Victorian figure, Oscar Wilde. Drawing on fresh, hitherto-untapped sources, Ellmann masterfully traces Wilde’s dramatic comet-like ascent within the Victorian social and literary scene and his equally sudden, tragic eclipse. Beyond the public persona, this biography delves into the intricate details of Wilde's life, from his Irish roots and various relationships to his distinctive fashion and the decor of his rooms. It vividly recreates the vibrant London of the Nineties, the "belle epoque" of Paris, and the locales of Wilde's travels, while also providing a comprehensive critical account of his radical aesthetic and entire oeuvre, showcasing how he was perilously at odds with prevailing societal norms. The saga of his famous 1882 American tour, his impact on the French literary establishment, and the tragic sequence of events leading from his fatal love affair with Lord Alfred Douglas to imprisonment, exile, and death are all recounted with vivid detail, leaving the reader with a profound sense of compassion for the protagonist. This monumental work firmly establishes *Oscar Wilde: A Biography* as one of Richard Ellmann's essential contributions to literary scholarship and biography, and thus a cornerstone of any "best books" list for the author. Renowned for his meticulous research, profound psychological insight, and fluid prose, Ellmann elevates Wilde beyond mere scandal, presenting him as a complex, modern hero deserving of deep understanding. Much like his Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of James Joyce and his acclaimed work on W.B. Yeats, this volume exemplifies Ellmann's unparalleled ability to immerse readers in the lives of his subjects, providing the definitive account that shaped subsequent understanding of Wilde's genius and tragedy. It is not merely a chronicle of events, but a deeply empathetic and critically astute exploration that solidified Ellmann's reputation as the preeminent biographer of modern literary giants.
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#9.
Oscar Wilde: A Biography
9/9
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0
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In *Oscar Wilde: A Biography*, Richard Ellmann offers a definitive and compelling portrayal of the legendary Victorian figure, Oscar Wilde. Drawing on fresh, hitherto-untapped sources, Ellmann masterfully traces Wilde’s dramatic comet-like ascent within the Victorian social and literary scene and his equally sudden, tragic eclipse. Beyond the public persona, this biography delves into the intricate details of Wilde's life, from his Irish roots and various relationships to his distinctive fashion and the decor of his rooms. It vividly recreates the vibrant London of the Nineties, the "belle epoque" of Paris, and the locales of Wilde's travels, while also providing a comprehensive critical account of his radical aesthetic and entire oeuvre, showcasing how he was perilously at odds with prevailing societal norms. The saga of his famous 1882 American tour, his impact on the French literary establishment, and the tragic sequence of events leading from his fatal love affair with Lord Alfred Douglas to imprisonment, exile, and death are all recounted with vivid detail, leaving the reader with a profound sense of compassion for the protagonist. This monumental work firmly establishes *Oscar Wilde: A Biography* as one of Richard Ellmann's essential contributions to literary scholarship and biography, and thus a cornerstone of any "best books" list for the author. Renowned for his meticulous research, profound psychological insight, and fluid prose, Ellmann elevates Wilde beyond mere scandal, presenting him as a complex, modern hero deserving of deep understanding. Much like his Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of James Joyce and his acclaimed work on W.B. Yeats, this volume exemplifies Ellmann's unparalleled ability to immerse readers in the lives of his subjects, providing the definitive account that shaped subsequent understanding of Wilde's genius and tragedy. It is not merely a chronicle of events, but a deeply empathetic and critically astute exploration that solidified Ellmann's reputation as the preeminent biographer of modern literary giants.
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