The Soul of Man Under Socialism and Selected Critical Prose (Penguin Classics)

Oscar Wilde-witty raconteur, flamboyant hedonist, and self-destructive lover-is most familiar as the author of brilliant comedies, including The Importance of Being Earnest, An Ideal Husband, and the decadent novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. This selection of critical writings reveals a different side of the great writer-the deep and serious reader of literature and philosophy, and the eloquent and original thinker about society and art. This illuminating collection includes "The Portrait of Mr. W. H.," "In Defense of Dorian Gray," reviews, and the writings from Intentions (1891), including "The Decay of Lying," "Pen, Pencil, Poison," and "The Critic as Artist."

Edited with an Introduction and Notes by Linda Dowling.

Author Biography: Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was born in Ireland. He wrote one novel, many short stories and poems, and several volumes of criticism. Imprisoned for homosexual acts, he died after his release while in exile in Paris.