The Complete Works of Oscar Wilde

The Complete Works of Oscar Wilde encompasses the full spectrum of Wilde's literary genius, showcasing his wit, aestheticism, and innovative storytelling throughout various genres, including poetry, plays, and prose. The collection takes the reader on a journey through Wilde's thematic explorations of love, beauty, morality, and society, marked by his signature paradoxes and clever epigrams. Characterized by a rich tapestry of symbolism and vibrant imagery, Wilde's works are a testament to the late Victorian era's social complexities, reflecting both the opulence and the undercurrents of discontent in a rapidly changing society. Oscar Wilde, an iconic figure of the 19th century, was a playwright, poet, and author whose flamboyant wit and keen social commentary were shaped by his experiences with the constraints of Victorian morality. His life, punctuated by both dazzling success and dramatic downfall, provides the background for his exploration of themes such as identity, artifice, and existentialism. Wilde's pioneering spirit in literature, coupled with his commitment to aestheticism, drives the narratives found in this compendium, making them as relevant today as they were during his lifetime. This indispensable collection is highly recommended for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of human nature and society through the lens of one of literature's most celebrated figures. Wilde's works offer profound insights interspersed with humor and poignancy, making The Complete Works not only a collector's dream but also a rich resource for scholars and enthusiasts seeking to appreciate the enduring impact of his literary contributions.

In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- An Introduction draws the threads together, discussing why these diverse authors and texts belong in one collection.
- Historical Context explores the cultural and intellectual currents that shaped these works, offering insight into the shared (or contrasting) eras that influenced each writer.
- A combined Synopsis (Selection) briefly outlines the key plots or arguments of the included pieces, helping readers grasp the anthology's overall scope without giving away essential twists.
- A collective Analysis highlights common themes, stylistic variations, and significant crossovers in tone and technique, tying together writers from different backgrounds.
- Reflection questions encourage readers to compare the different voices and perspectives within the collection, fostering a richer understanding of the overarching conversation.

Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) stands as one of the most iconic and influential writers of the late Victorian era, renowned for his wit, flamboyant persona, and a literary canon that includes plays, fiction, and essays. His Irish heritage and education at Trinity College Dublin, followed by Magdalen College, Oxford, where he notably won the Newdigate Prize for his poem 'Ravenna', greatly shaped his literary development (Ellmann, 1988). Wilde effortlessly wielded his mastery of language and sharp wit in works like 'The Importance of Being Earnest' and 'An Ideal Husband,' which continue to captivate audiences with their incisive social commentary and satirical brilliance. His only novel, 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', provokes enduring discussions on aestheticism and the duplicity of societal morality, themes which often permeated his work. Wilde's diverse literary contributions are superbly compiled in 'The Complete Works of Oscar Wilde,' offering a comprehensive look at his oeuvre. His unique style--epigrammatic, with a penchant for paradox--challenges and delights readers, refusing to distance art from the complex moral landscape of human experience. Despite his tragic fall from grace and imprisonment, Wilde's genius endures, immortalized through his words and the scholarly criticism they continue to inspire (Mason, 2007).