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Available
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Collection
Publication
Harper Perennial Modern Classics (2008), 1216 pages
Description
In print since 1948, this is a single-volume collection of Oscar Wilde's texts. It contains his only novel, "The Portrait of Dorian Gray" as well as his plays, stories, poems, essays and letters. Illustrated with many photographs, the book includes introductions to each section by Wilde's grandon, Merlin Holoand, Owen Dudley Edwards, Declan Kibertd and Terence Brown. A comprehensive bibliography of works by and about Oscar Wilde together with a chronological table of his life and work are also included.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Wanderlust_Lost
I'd recommend any or all of Wilde's works to anyone. Easy to read, very accessible, entertaining and hgihly amusing Wilde is, without a doubt, one of the best comedic dramatists of the 19th Century. His stories and poems, though less well known, are also enjoyable and well-written. Warning: The
He loved contradictions and paradoxes. His primary aim was aestheticism and not sense. Read it, make up your own mind. But don't call Wilde a poser. If you do you're completely missing his point.
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essays at the back can be slow going, but plow through. They're worth it. Another LT reviewer said that Wilde's non-fiction work is the work of a poser but I disagree. Wilde never claimed to agree with or even believe the things he wrote, indeed he came right out and said he didn't. People seemed to see this as just Wilde being wild and didn't take him seriously. I think that's a mistake. Wilde was able to formulate ideas and theories that he felt were beautiful or of value on some level but he didn't necsesarily agree with those ideas or theories. He wrote them down because he felt that they were things that needed to be said and not because he was trying to convince people to think how he thought.He loved contradictions and paradoxes. His primary aim was aestheticism and not sense. Read it, make up your own mind. But don't call Wilde a poser. If you do you're completely missing his point.
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LibraryThing member JavierSan
One of my favorite writters. He's really an artist with the pen. His tales are one of a kind. The Rose and the Nightingale is just an example of these masterpieces.
LibraryThing member Borg-mx5
Oscar Wilde is one of my favorites. His works are witty and intense.
LibraryThing member john257hopper
This review of the works of Oscar Wilde will expand and the overall rating perhaps change, as I work my way through it.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
This is a true classic, a chilling story of moral degradation, though the specifics of quite what he gets up to are mostly vague, reflecting the
The Canterville Ghost
A very funny story with a sad, tragic twist.
The Happy Prince
An achingly sad story that will have you in tears unless your heart is as leaden as the statue's.
Nightingale and the Rose
Another bittersweet story.
The Selfish Giant
A classic morality tale, simply but effectively told.
The Four Plays - Lady Windermere's Fan, A Woman of No Importance, An Ideal Husband, The Importance of Being Earnest
Wilde's four main plays are all very funny and full of witty phrases and delicious quotes. To be savoured by anybody who appreciates good writing.
Haven't tried the poems and essays at the end.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
This is a true classic, a chilling story of moral degradation, though the specifics of quite what he gets up to are mostly vague, reflecting the
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attitudes of the times towards describing dark aspects of human existence. The language is wonderful and even when you don't understand exactly what Lord Henry's incessant epigrams actually mean, you can appreciate the cleverness. A haunting and in places quite funny tale.The Canterville Ghost
A very funny story with a sad, tragic twist.
The Happy Prince
An achingly sad story that will have you in tears unless your heart is as leaden as the statue's.
Nightingale and the Rose
Another bittersweet story.
The Selfish Giant
A classic morality tale, simply but effectively told.
The Four Plays - Lady Windermere's Fan, A Woman of No Importance, An Ideal Husband, The Importance of Being Earnest
Wilde's four main plays are all very funny and full of witty phrases and delicious quotes. To be savoured by anybody who appreciates good writing.
Haven't tried the poems and essays at the end.
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LibraryThing member carioca
Oscar Wilde, wordsmith extraordinaire, was the king of irony and wit. A testament to his genius is the fact that his works are timeless and can be applied and reread today as much as they were in his days. This anthology contains all his works and my most favorite one, The Picture of Dorian Gray.
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Actually, I must say that Dorian Gray is so powerful to me that it pervades most of my literary experience outside of Wilde, and I revert back to it many times a year. Show Less
LibraryThing member jwhenderson
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a classic example of the Victorian novel and one of those books that can effect the reader in a powerful and unique way. The idea of selling your soul to the devil, like Faust as related by Marlowe, Goethe and others is an image that intrigues. But there is in Wilde
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the focus on the purity of innocence (as seen in the passage quoted above) that is lost as one lives a life, whether filled with licentiousness or mere everyday experience. Wilde gives the story his own imprimatur with the artistic twist and thus adds to the evidence of his genius that includes the drama, stories, poetry and criticism that he created. Show Less
LibraryThing member Chris_V
It's all here... all Oscar Wilde's classic plays, his shorter fiction and novels as well as writings such as "De Profundis" and his poetry.
Truly the Oscar Wilde one-stop shop!
Truly the Oscar Wilde one-stop shop!
LibraryThing member bennyb
Excellent a true master of literature!
LibraryThing member AliceAnna
Having skipped my senior year, I never had to read "The Picture of Dorian Gray." Frankly, I'm glad. I enjoyed it much more as a vain, aging 42-year old than I could possibly have as a 17-year old sure of my immortality. An excellent story -- one chapter got way too bogged down in the description of
The poetry, however, was far too bogged down in classical references to hold any attraction for me. His essays, particularly 'De Profundis,' were entirely too self-involved and self-congratulatory. His obvious sense of superiority, as well as his blind devotion to a self-involved idiot left me cold.
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the finer things in life, but other than that, it was a fine piece of writing. The fables are wonderfully witty, biting social commentary thinly disguised as fairy tales. "The Remarkable Rocket" was wonderful in its treatment of idiotic society types. A lovely piece of work.The poetry, however, was far too bogged down in classical references to hold any attraction for me. His essays, particularly 'De Profundis,' were entirely too self-involved and self-congratulatory. His obvious sense of superiority, as well as his blind devotion to a self-involved idiot left me cold.
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LibraryThing member crowspeaks
i love Wilde in all shapes and forms, but it's certainly his 'fairy stories' i like best.
LibraryThing member brakketh
An Ideal Husband, Importance of Being Earnest, and Dorian Grey were all standouts for me. The poetry wasn't to my taste.
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1880 - 1905
Physical description
8 x 2.1 inches
ISBN
006096393X / 9780060963934