British Library Reissues Oscar Wilde’s Card 130 Years After Revocation
The British Library has issued a new reader’s card to Oscar Wilde, 130 years after his original card was revoked due to his conviction for “gross indecency” related to his homosexuality. This symbolic gesture acknowledges the injustices Wilde faced and is to be collected by his grandson, author Merlin Holland. The revocation occurred in 1895, following his imprisonment and a libel trial related to his relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas. The library holds drafts of Wilde’s famous plays and his letter “De Profundis” from prison, adding to the significance of the reissued card.
John Q. Hosedrinker