Vera; Or, The Nihilists (ePub)

Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was a luminous figure in the literary world of the late 19th century. With an Irish heritage, Wilde studied at Trinity College, Dublin, and Magdalen College, Oxford, where he cultivated his affection for Aestheticism and crafted his public persona as a dandy. Wilde's artistic career spanned various genres, including plays, poetry, and prose, but he is most renowned for his biting wit, flamboyant style, and exploration of paradoxes in human nature. Though 'Vera; Or, The Nihilists' (1880) was his first play, Wilde truly captivated audiences with 'The Importance of Being Earnest' (1895), a quintessential example of his comedic genius and social satire. His only novel, 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' (1890), delves into themes of aestheticism, moral duplicity, and the consequences of hedonism. Wilde expounded on decadent literature, which was echoed in his collection of fairy tales 'The Happy Prince and Other Tales' (1888) and in his philosophical dialectic 'The Critic as Artist' (1891). Despite his literary success, Wilde suffered a tragic downfall due to his controversial personal life, resulting in imprisonment that irreparably damaged his health and reputation. Posthumously, Wilde's work has been recognized for its literary merit and his influence on the modernist movement. He remains a pivotal figure in the canon of English literature for his eloquence, insight, and enduring legacy of social criticism wrapped in sophisticated humor.