Constance

By Franny Moyle

Subjects: History, Moral conditions, Marriage, Biography, Authors' spouses, Intellectual life, New York Times reviewed

Description: Part of a gilded couple, Constance Wilde was a popular children's author, a fashion icon, and a leading campaigner for women's rights. A founding member of the magical society The Golden Dawn, her pioneering and questioning spirit encouraged her to sample some of the more controversial aspects of her time. Mrs. Oscar Wilde was a phenomenon in her own right. She held a privileged position in society. In the spring of 1895 her life changed irrevocably. That spring Constance's entire life was eclipsed by scandal. Forced to flee to the Continent with her two sons, her glittering literary and political career ended abruptly. She lived in exile until her death.