The Cambridge Companion to Oscar Wilde

Peter Raby

Cambridge University Press, Oct 16, 1997 - Drama - 307 pages

The Cambridge Companion to Oscar Wilde offers an essential introduction to one of the theatre'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. Further chapters also examine Wilde and the Victorians and his image as a Dandy. Part Two looks at Wilde's essential work as playwright and general writer, including his poetry, critiques, and fiction, and provides detailed analysis of such key works as Salome and The Importance of Being Earnest among others. The third group of essays examines the themes and factors which shaped Wilde's work and includes Wilde and his view of the Victorian woman, Wilde's sexual identities, and interpreting Wilde on stage. This 1997 volume also contains a detailed chronology of Wilde's work, a guide to further reading, and illustrations from important productions.

Contents

• Biography and the art of lying: 3
• Wilde and the Victorians: 18
• Wilde and the Dandyism of the Senses: 34
• WILDES WORKS: 55
• Wilde as poet: 57
• Wilde the journalist: 69
• Wilde as critic and theorist: 80
• Wildes fictions: 96
• Distance death and desire in Salome: 118
• Wildes comedies of Society: 143
• The Importance of Being Earnest: 161
• THEMES AND INFLUENCES: 179
• A verdict of death Oscar Wilde actresses and Victorian women: 181
• A complex multiform creatureWildes sexual identities: 195
• Wildes plays some lines of influence: 219
• Wilde on the stage: 249
• Oscar Wilde the resurgence of lying: 276
• SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY: 295
• GENERAL INDEX: 299
• INDEX OF WORKS BY OSCAR WILDE: 306

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Cambridge Companion to Oscar Wilde; Cambridge Companions to Literature; Cambridge companions to
• Editor: Peter Raby
• Edition: illustrated, reprint
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1997
• ISBN: 0521479878, 9780521479875
• Length: 307 pages
• Subjects: Drama / European / English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh; Literary Criticism / Drama; Literary Criticism / European / English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh; Performing Arts / Theater / General