Books like Gross indecency by Moises Kaufman

Three short months after being appointed Poet Laureate, Oscar Wilde finds himself at the peak of British society’s attention. However, his privileged lifestyle and unconventional behavior soon turn him into a pariah, leading to his downfall. The novel vividly captures the scandalous love affair between Wilde and the young Alfred Douglas, the notorious homosexual affair known as ‘The Man Who Was in Love with Men,’ and the pervasive fear of Wilde’s sexuality that led to his imprisonment and the eventual dismissal of his career. The story unfolds as a mix of court documents, newspaper accounts, and Wilde’s writings, exploring the complex political climate of the time and the societal pressures that led to Wilde’s downfall. The narrative also delves into the life of Queen Victoria, who was involved in the scandalous affair with Prince Albert, and the efforts made by those who sought to hide the truth about Wilde’s sexuality.

First publish date: November 1, 1997