—By Pre-arrangement Only—
Take a leafy stroll through Madison Square Park, Gramercy Park, and Greenwich Village to trace Oscar Wilde's debut in the social and literary world of New York City. Based on original and unique research into Wilde and his circle in the Gilded Age, see how Wilde was influenced by the aesthetic movement of the period, and how, in turn, he influenced the society of today. Conducted by John Cooper.
Set in an era of fascinating personalities, we visit historic places including houses where Oscar Wilde lived and clubs that he visited. The tour also incorporates exhibits of Wilde’s letters, period photographs, and often features a play-reading or a convivial gathering for discussion.
Based on original and unique research into Wilde and his circle in the New York of the gilded age, you will learn how Wilde was influenced by the aesthetic movement of the period, and how, in turn, he influenced the society of today.
These tours will appeal not only to anyone with a literary and historical interest of the city, but they are detailed enough to inform even scholars of Oscar Wilde—the self-styled genius who is more relevant today than he has ever been.
Public and private tours available.
GROUP TOURS CONDUCTED FOR:
INDIVIDUAL TOURS CONDUCTED FOR:
TESTIMONIALS
A wonderfully entertaining and informative tour.
David Friedman, NY author
Receiving rave reviews from seasoned New York City tour takers.
Mary-Anne Eves, Walk Philadelphia
An excellent and informative tour
DeeDee Lanzet, CEO Lanzet Inc., New York
A most enlightening and entertaining tour.
John Simonelli, The Victorian Society in America
Thoughtful and precise.
Anice Alt, New York
Without John’s input, the BBC Radio 3 program ‘Oscar in America’ would be very much the poorer.
Chris Spurr, BBC
A fascinating tour. We enjoyed ourselves tremendously.
Ed Gordon, New England Chapter, VSA
Our guide was knowledgeable, accessible, and entertaining. It was fascinating to see how many Oscar-related sites still exist. (Also fun to raise a glass to Oscar at the optional post-tour gathering.) I’m looking forward to a revisit!
Mary J. Fallon, NY
most interesting and wonderful walking tour.
Jane Rothchild, NYC
I have nothing but praise for the tour.
Monica Brady, NYC
Most of this information represents years of John’s research and can’t be found in books or Web sites. An absolute must for Wilde fans and history enthusiasts.
Rachel Klingberg, NY 19th Century Society
