The Artist as Critic: Critical Writings of Oscar Wilde - Paperback

by Oscar Wilde (Author), Richard Ellman (Editor)

Although known primarily as the irreverent but dazzlingly witty playwright who penned The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde was also an able and farsighted critic. He was an early advocate of criticism as an independent branch of literature and stressed its vital role in the creative process. Scholars continue to debate many of Wilde's critical positions.

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Although known primarily as the irreverent but dazzling witty playwright who penned The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde was also an able and farsighted critic. He was an early advocate of criticism as an independent branch of literature and stressed its vital role in the creative process. Scholars continue to debate many of Wilde's critical positions.

Included in Richard Ellmann's impressive collection of Wilde's criticism, is a wide selection of Wilde's book reviews as well as such famous longer works as "The Portrait of Mr. W. H., " "The Soul of Man under Socialism, " and the four essays which make up Intentions: "The Decay of Lying, " "Pen, Pencil, and Poison, " "The Critic as Artist, " and "The Truth of Masks." The Artist as Critic will satisfy any Wilde fan's yearning for an essential reading of his critical work.