Charles Finger's book efficiently covers Oscar Wilde's background, his early years and education, and his beginnings as an author, poet, and critic for several magazines.

The author then turns to the activities of Wilde that drew the attention of others, culminating in the Marquess of Queensbury calling Wilde out as a homosexual. Wilde sued for slander, but the Marquess was acquitted and materials brought forth during the trial resulted in Wilde being arrested and tried for homosexuality. He was convicted and sentenced to two years of hard labor, from which he never really recovered. Wilde then moved to France and lived under the assumed name of Sebastian Melmoth until his death at the age of forty-six.