Irish Peacock and Scarlet Marquess

Merlin Holland presents the original transcript of the famous Wilde versus Queensberry trial, containing previously unrecorded details and exchanges that took place in the courtroom. With extensive footnotes and a new introduction, this account brings to life the trial that redirected Wilde’s life. The love affair between Oscar Wilde and Lord Alfred Bosie Douglas is one of the most famous in history. As a direct consequence of this relationship, Wilde underwent three trials in quick succession in 1895, marking the beginning of the end of his celebrated career. In the first trial, he sued the Marquess of Queensberry for criminal libel, after Queensbury left his card at Wilde’s club with “For Oscar Wilde posing sodomite” written on it. Wilde’s case collapsed on the third day, when Queensberry’s counsel, Edward Carson, started to introduce the evidence of young male prostitutes or “renters” whom the defence had found in London’s homosexual underworld. Wilde was arrested the same evening and tried twice for “gross indecency”.
The transcript of the trial that redirected Wilde’s history raises new questions about Queensbury’s intentions towards his son, as well as casting new light on Wilde’s demeanour throughout the ordeal.

Author Biography

Merlin Holland is Oscar Wilde’s grandson and sole executor of his estate. He is a journalist and has been reasearching the life of his grandfather for the last 20 years. He lives in London with his wife and son.