State of the World from NPR Author Oscar Wilde Gets Back His Library Card Over A Century After His Death
Oct 17, 2025
Discover the fascinating story of Oscar Wilde, whose library card was revoked after his infamous trial over 130 years ago. Hear insights into his rise as a Victorian literary star and the societal challenges he faced. Merlin Holland shares his family's connection and reflects on the impact of homophobia. The podcast culminates in a ceremonial reissuance of Wilde's card by the British Library, symbolizing a poignant address to historical injustice. It's a tale of wit, legacy, and redemption.
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Wilde's Fall From Literary Fame
- Oscar Wilde was tried and convicted for 'gross indecency' in 1895, a scandalous public trial that exposed details of his private life.
- His conviction led to prison with hard labor and the cancellation of his British Museum library card, adding insult to injury.
Grandson Receives Reissued Card
- Merlin Holland, Wilde's grandson, recounts being told the British Museum canceled Wilde's card after his conviction because policy removed access from anyone convicted of a crime.
- The British Library later reissued the card to Holland on what would have been Wilde's 171st birthday to address that injustice.
Institutions Perpetuate Social Punishment
- Institutional policies can compound social punishment by denying cultural access after legal punishment.
- The British Library's reissue symbolizes a modern corrective to Victorian-era moral judgments embedded in institutions.
