The Cambridge Companion to Oscar Wilde

by Peter Raby (Editor)

The Cambridge Companion to Oscar Wilde offers an essential introduction to one of the theater's most important and enigmatic writers. Although a general overview, the volume also offers some of the latest thinking on the dramatist and his impact on the twentieth century. Part One places Wilde's work within the cultural and historical context of his time and includes an opening essay by Wilde's grandson, Merlin Holland. Part Two looks at Wilde's essential work as playwright and general writer. The third group of essays examines the themes and factors that shaped Wilde's work and includes Wilde and his view of the Victorian woman, Wilde's sexual identities, and interpreting Wilde on stage. The volume provides a detailed chronology of Wilde's work, a bibliography for further reading, and illustrations from important productions.

Genres: Nonfiction, Literature

330 pages, Paperback

First published October 16, 1997

Reviews

[christine ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I FINALLY FINISHED IT!! It was really interesting and informative, but the style of writing is quite dry. Often times the main subject is disregarded and is not receiving the proper attention.

[xinyi · Rating 3 out of 5]

enjoyed the essays! some i skimmed, because i wasn’t too interested in that facet of Wilde, but overall i found all of them very informative if not slightly dry at times.

in particular i enjoyed Jerusha Mccormack’s essay. i felt her style of writing really showed her personal voice, making it really easy to read the sentences without wondering about the convoluted meaning.

it would be helpful to have read, or at least know the major plot points of, Wilde’s main works (his plays and Picture of Doria Gray) the essays help fill in the gaps of understanding in Wilde’s works.