Speranza, a.k.a Oscar Wilde’s Mom

Send us Fan MailIn this week’s episode Kim and Amy discuss the life and work of “Speranza,” a.k.a Lady Jane Wilde, a.k.a. Oscar Wilde’s mom! An outspoken, rabble-rousing poet who championed Irish independence, she stirred up members of the Young Ireland movement while writing for Dublin’s radical newspaper “The Nation” in the 1840s. Oscar may have inherited his mother’s wit, intellect and larger-than-life personality, but his later legal troubles were also preceded by her own very public and scandalous libel case.Mentioned in this episode:The Rest is History podcast on the trials of Oscar WildeThe Nation“Jacta Alea Est” by Speranza“The Poet’s Destiny” by Speranza“The Famine Year” by SperanzaCharles Gavan DuffyMelmoth the Wanderer by Charles MaturinWilliam Wilde (Oscar Wilde’s father)“The Ballad of Reading Gaol” by Oscar Wilde“The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar WildeThe Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar WildeThe Mary Travers libel caseThe grave of Lady Jane WildeSupport the showFor episodes and show notes, visit: LostLadiesofLit.comSubscribe to our substack newsletter.Follow us on instagram @lostladiesoflit. Email us: Contact — Lost Ladies of Lit Podcast