Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish poet, playwright, and wit, one of the most celebrated and quotable writers of the late Victorian era. Famous for his sparkling comedies, his epigrams, and his flamboyant public persona, he became a leading figure of the 'Aesthetic' movement, which prized beauty and 'art for art's sake.'
His best-known works include the comic plays The Importance of Being Earnest, Lady Windermere's Fan, and An Ideal Husband; his only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray; fairy tales such as 'The Happy Prince'; and the long prison poem The Ballad of Reading Gaol. The Importance of Being Earnest is often called the finest comedy in the English language.
At the height of his fame, Wilde was convicted of 'gross indecency' for his relationships with men and sentenced to two years' hard labour. The experience broke his health and his career; he wrote his moving confession De Profundis in prison and died in poverty in Paris in 1900, aged 46. He has since become an icon of both literary brilliance and the struggle against injustice.
Wilde's prose and dialogue are already crisp and modern, and our editions present his stories and plays cleanly for today's readers. Read the opening free, and read or listen to his major works with a membership.
Oscar Wilde in the library · 7 works
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Salomé
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The Picture of Dorian Gray
Audiobooks by Oscar Wilde
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Frequently asked questions about Oscar Wilde
What did Oscar Wilde write?
Wilde wrote across many forms: comic plays (The Importance of Being Earnest, An Ideal Husband, Lady Windermere's Fan), a novel (The Picture of Dorian Gray), fairy tales ('The Happy Prince,' 'The Selfish Giant'), essays, poems, and the prison writings De Profundis and The Ballad of Reading Gaol. He is especially remembered for his witty, epigrammatic dialogue and his social comedies.
Where should I start with Oscar Wilde?
The Importance of Being Earnest is the perfect entry point — short, hilarious, and endlessly quotable. If you prefer fiction, The Picture of Dorian Gray is his gripping, darker novel about beauty and corruption. His fairy tales are also a lovely, quick introduction to his gift for storytelling.
What is The Picture of Dorian Gray about?
It follows a beautiful young man who wishes that a portrait of himself would age and bear the marks of his sins while he stays young and unblemished. His wish comes true, freeing him to live a life of pleasure and cruelty while the hidden portrait grows monstrous. It is a haunting exploration of vanity, corruption, and the price of a life devoted only to beauty and pleasure.
Why is Oscar Wilde so famous for quotes?
Wilde was a master of the epigram — short, witty, paradoxical sayings that turn conventional wisdom on its head, such as 'I can resist everything except temptation.' His plays and essays are packed with them, and they have been quoted ever since. This blend of style, humour, and insight is a big part of why his work has never gone out of fashion.
What happened to Oscar Wilde?
At the peak of his success, Wilde was prosecuted and imprisoned for his homosexual relationships, which were criminal under Victorian law. He served two years of hard labour, which ruined his health and reputation, and he died in exile in Paris in 1900. His conviction is now widely seen as a grave injustice, and he is honoured as a symbol of both literary genius and LGBTQ history.
When did Oscar Wilde live?
Wilde was born in Dublin in 1854 and died in Paris in 1900, aged 46. His most successful years were the early 1890s, when his comedies dominated the London stage. His imprisonment in 1895-1897 effectively ended his career.
Where can I read Oscar Wilde for free?
Wilde's works are in the public domain and freely available. Because his prose is already witty and clear, our editions focus on presenting his stories and plays beautifully and readably. You can read the openings free here, and read or listen to his major works with a membership.
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