Bøker av Oscar Wilde

The artist is the creator of beautiful things. To reveal art and conceal the artist is art's aim. The critic is he who can translate into another manner or a new material his impression of beautiful things.The highest as the lowest form of criticism is a mode of autobiography. Those who find ugly meanings in beautiful things are corrupt without being charming. This is a fault.Those who find beautiful meanings in beautiful things are the cultivated. For these there is hope. They are the elect to

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a Gothic and philosophical novel by Oscar Wilde, first published complete in the July 1890 issue of Lippincott's Monthly Magazine. Fearing the story was indecent, prior to publication the magazine's editor deleted roughly five hundred words without Wilde's knowledge. Despite that censorship, The Picture of Dorian Gray offended the moral sensibilities of British book reviewers, some of whom said that Oscar Wilde merited prosecution for violating the laws guarding public morality.The longer and revised version of The Picture of Dorian Gray published in book form in 1891 featured an aphoristic preface-a defense of the artist's rights and of art for art's sake-based in part on his press defenses of the novel the previous year. The content, style, and presentation of the preface made it famous in its own right, as a literary and artistic manifesto. In April 1891, the publishing firm of Ward, Lock and Company, who had distributed the shorter, more inflammatory, magazine version in England the previous year, published the revised version of The Picture of Dorian Gray.The Picture of Dorian Gray is the only novel written by Wilde. It exists in several versions: the 1890 magazine edition (in 13 chapters), with important material deleted before publication by the magazine's editor, J. M. Stoddart; the "uncensored" version submitted to Lippincott's Monthly Magazine for publication (also in 13 chapters), with all of Wilde's original material intact, first published in 2011 by Harvard University Press; and the 1891 book edition (in 20 chapters). As literature of the 19th century, The Picture of Dorian Gray "pivots on a gothic plot device" with strong themes interpreted from Faust.Dorian Gray is the subject of a full-length portrait in oil by Basil Hallward, an artist impressed and infatuated by Dorian's beauty; he believes that Dorian's beauty is responsible for the new mood in his art as a painter.Newly understanding that his beauty will fade, Dorian expresses the desire to sell his soul, to ensure that the picture, rather than he, will age and fade. The wish is granted, and Dorian pursues a libertine life of varied amoral experiences while staying young and beautiful; all the while, his portrait ages and records every sin.Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde (16 October 1854 - 30 November 1900) was an Irish poet and playwright. After writing in different forms throughout the 1880s, he became one of the most popular playwrights in London in the early 1890s.As a spokesman for aestheticism, he tried his hand at various literary activities: he published a book of poems, lectured in the United States and Canada on the new "English Renaissance in Art" and interior decoration, and then returned to London where he worked prolifically as a journalist. Known for his biting wit, flamboyant dress, and glittering conversational skill, Wilde became one of the best-known personalities of his day. At the turn of the 1890s, he refined his ideas about the supremacy of art in a series of dialogues and essays and incorporated themes of decadence, duplicity, and beauty into what would be his only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890). The opportunity to construct aesthetic details precisely, and combine them with larger social themes, drew Wilde to write drama. He wrote Salome (1891) in French while in Paris but it was refused a license for England due to an absolute prohibition on the portrayal of Biblical subjects on the English stage. Unperturbed, Wilde produced four society comedies in the early 1890s, which made him one of the most successful playwrights of late-Victorian London.

"Like two doomed ships that pass in stormWe had crossed each other's way:But we made no sign, we said no word,We had no word to say"-Oscar Wilde, The Ballad of Reading Gaol (1898) The poem The Ballad of Reading Gaol (1898) by Oscar Wilde, was inspired by the two years he spent in the jail of Reading Gaol, England. There he experienced the hanging of Royal Horse Guards trooper Charles Thomas Wooldridge, convicted for the murder of his wife. This poem, dedicated to Wooldridge, describes not only his execution, but is also an indictment of the Victorian penal system and a plea for reform of prison conditions.This poem, Wilde's last publication, was very successful and assured he had a steady income until his death at a young age in 1900.

Oscar Wilde, with his legendary works of literature is a delight to read at all times. This iconic drama is a series of events and characters all caught up and wound in their own situations. It is only in the series of these complex situations that layers of human behaviours are revealed making it interesting and at the same time making the character vulnerable to the situations they have got themselves into. The unfurling of events leads to many important discoveries and realizations and the

A House of Pomegranates is a series of enchanting stories from Oscar Wilde highlighting the moral conflicts, deception, tragedies and triumphs of four distinct narratives. Each tale features a profound transformation that may or may not lead to a happy ending.In A House of Pomegranates readers will find rich stories with fantastical characters in mystical settings. The book consists of "The Young King," "The Birthday of the Infanta," "The Fisherman and his Soul" and "The Star-child." Each tale follows a character¿s unorthodox journey through physical and emotional trials, which lead to triumph or tragedy. Wilde¿s compelling prose delivers relatable allegories for all readers, regardless of age or status. With A House of Pomegranates, Wilde returns to the fairytale genre with another selection of captivating short stories. He uses a children¿s medium to explore class, greed, narcissism and betrayal. It¿s a standout among his diverse catalog, which contains adult contemporary titles like The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest.With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of A House of Pomegranates is both modern and readable.

Oscar Wilde presents a libertarian socialist view of the economic disparities caused by capitalism, that lead to futile acts of charity instead of definitive solutions. Wilde encourages an overhaul of the structures that allow such inequalities to exist. The Soul of Man Under Socialism is an insightful look into Wilde¿s personal and political beliefs. Within the essay he emphasizes individualism over group think, using Jesus Christ as a prime example. He also offers a detailed critique of capitalist societies that revel in charity, instead of eliminating its need. Poverty cannot be fought with kindness; it requires genuine compassion backed by policy. Wilde¿s perspective was heavily influenced by the writings of Peter Kropotkin, a Russian anarchist and socialist. In The Soul of Man Under Socialism, Wilde invokes powerful ideas that call for accountability and drastic change. It¿s a raw declaration of his contemporary anarchist views.With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Soul of Man Under Socialism is both modern and readable.

Gerald Arbuthnot receives a promotion from Lord Illingworth, a worldly politician who has a sordid history of women, one of whom is Gerald¿s widowed mother. When their connection is revealed, the young man questions his past, present and future aspirations.A Woman of No Importance opens with a high-class party featuring a group of society¿s most illustrious citizens. In the midst of the event, Gerald Arbuthnot enters and announces his new position as secretary to the renown, Lord Illingworth. It¿s an exciting opportunity that pleases Miss Hester Worsley, an American visitor and admirer of Gerald. What should be a cause for celebration becomes an awkward moment of truth between Lord Illingworth and Gerald¿s mother, Mrs. Rachel Arbuthnot.Set in the late-nineteenth century, A Woman of No Importance is a commentary on contemporary English society. One family¿s façade is broken by a hidden truth testing the relationship of mother and son. It¿s a provocative tale about the power of seduction and political ambition.With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of A Woman of No Importance is both modern and readable.

Lady Windermere misinterprets her husband''s interest in an older woman, Mrs. Erlynne, causing a rift that could lead to both marital and societal ruin. Lady Windermere''s Fan Is an intriguing tale that examines intention versus outcome in a world driven by perception. Lady Windermere is a young wife who''s concerned by her husband''s connection to the mysterious, Mrs. Erlynne. She believes the woman is a threat to her marriage and livelihood. Despite her husband''s denial, Lady Windermere decides to entertain the attention of another suitor--Lord Darlington. In the heat of the moment, she engages in reckless behavior that could cause irreputable damage to her name. A sudden act of kindness from an unexpected source spares Lady Windermere a harsh fate. Like many of Wilde''s works, Lady Windermere''s Fan highlights the hypocrisy and oppression of high-class society. It creates an environment of secrets that can free or destroy its keepers. This is a thought-provoking story with a resounding a message. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Lady Windermere''s Fan is both modern and readable.

When the prophet Jokanaan is brought to the attention of the princess Salomé, he rebukes her interest, which causes her to make a brutal declaration.Oscar Wilde¿s one-act tragedy explores the repercussions of her horrifying decision.Originally composed in French in 1892, Salomé is a controversial tale full of cruelty and retribution. Wilde expands on the Biblical story of John the Baptist, whom was captured and beheaded by Herod Antipas. It explores the interaction between the characters showing Salomé¿s spiteful nature and Herod¿s growing concern. It¿s a bold adaptation of a somber tale that leaves a mark on all who read it. Salomé¿s one-act story structure immediately dives into the strange dynamic amongst Herod and his family. Once Salomé¿s bloodlust is apparent Herod¿s forced to reconcile both of their futures. It¿s a haunting drama that¿s amplified by its Biblical setting and notable characters.With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Salomé is both modern and readable.

Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde (1854¿1900) was an Irish poet and playwright who became one of the most popular in London during the 1880s and 1890s. Well-known for his sharp wit and extravagant attire, Wilde was a proponent of aestheticism and wrote in a variety of forms including poetry, fiction, and drama. He was famously imprisoned for homosexual acts from 1895 to 1897 and died at the age of 46, just three years after his release. Although best remembered for his plays, poetry and novels, Wilde also wrote a number of interesting essays and gave lectures on the subject of art, the best examples of which are contained within this fantastic collection. They include: ¿The Rise of Historical Criticism¿, ¿The English Renaissance of Art¿, ¿House Decoration¿, ¿Art and the Handicraftsman¿, ¿Lecture to Art Students¿, ¿London Models¿, and ¿Poems in Prose¿. A great collection of thought-provoking essays and lectures not to be missed by those with an interest in the work and mind of this seminal literary figure. Read & Co. Great Essays is proudly republishing this classic collection of essay and lectures now in a new edition complete with a specially-commissioned new biography of the author.

An impassioned letter from Oscar Wilde to his lover, Lord Alfred Douglas. De Profundis is a revealing piece composed during the author¿s confinement at Reading Gaol, an English prison. The letter was written towards the end of Wilde¿s term in early 1897 and published in 1905 after his untimely death.