The Judas Kiss: A Play

by David Hare

Book Overview

"If equal affection cannot be

Let the more loving one be me."

--W.H. Auden

Oscar Wilde's relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas has inspired contemporary writers for decades. In his heartbreaking account of love tested to destruction, David Hare presents his powerful interpretation of what may have happened behind closed doors between Wilde and Douglas.

The Judas Kiss lays bare the drama of two critical moments in Wilde's...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802135722
• ISBN13: 9780802135728
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Grove Press
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Another small masterpiece from David Hare!

I have read quite a few books about Oscar Wilde, both biographical and fictional. But, I must say that "Judas Kiss", written by a very talented David Hare, seems to be the best among the plays. The minute I started reading this book, I felt better about not having a chance to see the play on Broadway, with an incredible Liam Neeson as late Oscar Wilde. Hare's playwriting ability is so powerful, that I was able to re-create theater stage, the story happening on it, and even Liam Neeson himself. In terms of its narrrative, "Judas Kiss" takes somewhat non-traditional look at the last few months of Oscar Wilde's life in Italy. It is well-documented that prison changed him greatly in spirit and in body, and that he came out physically and spiritually weaker than ever. But, wait and see what Hare has to say about this as well as about Bosie's presence in Wilde's life after prison, among other things.