Welcome to the first episode of the Bowerbird podcast, a preface of sorts I call “Formidable Intelligence and Unmoored Strangeness: Oscar Wilde’s Parents”. I was initially going to start this series with Oscar Wilde’s childhood from 1854 to Wilde’s entry into Trinity College in 1871, but as I began my research it became apparent that I would have to start a little earlier than that. Oscar Wilde’s parents were every bit as fascinating, self-fashioned, and complex as their youngest son would grow to be. So much so that even giving them their own episode barely scratches the surface. Like Oscar, the elder Wildes defy containment or orderly study, but I have done what I can, with recommendations throughout for those who want to explore in-depth.

Source Notes

Interested in learning more? The Bowerbird Podcast is a Bookshop.Org affiliate, meaning you can support both the show and your favorite local bookstore if you buy any of the books featured in this episode! You can check out the Bowerbird Library Reading List for this episode {HERE} or by clicking on the affiliate link in the source list.

Music attribution

Narcissus by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4113-narcissus 

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Acknowledgements:

Script edited by Mimi, who offers her editing services through Ko-Fi

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