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Lady Wilde
1821–1896
An Irish poet, journalist, and folklore collector, she wrote fiery nationalist verse under the pen name "Speranza" and became a vivid literary figure in Victorian Dublin and London. She is also remembered as the mother of Oscar Wilde, but her own voice and work made her notable in their own right.
2 Audiobooks
Poems by Speranza
by Lady Wilde
About the author
Born Jane Francesca Elgee in 1821, she became known as Lady Wilde after marrying the surgeon Sir William Wilde. Writing as "Speranza," she contributed passionate poems and articles to the Irish nationalist press, building a reputation for bold opinions and dramatic style.
Her interests ranged well beyond politics. She wrote poetry, essays, and books on Irish folklore and legend, drawing on stories, beliefs, and customs that helped preserve parts of Ireland's oral tradition for later readers.
In later life she lived in London, where she remained a recognizable literary personality. Although she is often introduced through her famous son Oscar Wilde, her own career joined literature, journalism, and cultural history in a way that still makes her an interesting figure today.