The Complete Non-Fiction Writings (eBook)

Oscar Wilde (1854–1900), the illustrious Irish playwright, poet, and author, is celebrated for his brilliant wit, flamboyant style, and infamous imprisonment for gross indecency. He was a leading proponent of the aesthetic movement, which advocated for art's sake. Wilde studied at Trinity College, Dublin, and later at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he deeply engaged with aesthetic and decadent movements. His literary successes began with poetry, culminating in the 1881 publication of 'Poems.' However, it was his razor-sharp plays, such as 'The Importance of Being Earnest' and 'An Ideal Husband,' that sealed his fame, projecting a satirical take on Victorian society. 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' remains his only novel, a classic that melded gothic and philosophical themes. Wilde's essays and dialogues, collected posthumously in 'The Complete Non-Fiction Writings,' encompass his broad intellect and art criticism. These works showcase his eloquence and the development of his thought on art, criticism, and society. Notable among these is 'The Decay of Lying,' a dialogue which satirizes the insincerity of late Victorian society and presents Wilde's view in favor of romanticism over realism. Oscar Wilde's legacy transcends the scandal that overshadowed his final years, granting him status as a martyr and a symbolic figure in the fight against the repression of homosexuality. His literary contributions continue to be admired for their biting wit, their challenge to societal norms, and their profound insights into human nature and the role of art.