The Cambridge Companion to Oscar Wilde [Paperback]

The essential 1997 guide to one of the theatre's most important characters, with an opening essay by Merlin Holland, Oscar Wilde's grandson.The Companion to Oscar Wilde offers an essential introduction to one of the theatre's most important and enigmatic writers. Part one places Wilde's work within the cultural and historical context of his time. Part two looks at Wilde's essential work. The third group of essays examines the themes and factors which shaped Wilde's work.The Companion to Oscar Wilde offers an essential introduction to one of the theatre's most important and enigmatic writers. Part one places Wilde's work within the cultural and historical context of his time. Part two looks at Wilde's essential work. The third group of essays examines the themes and factors which shaped Wilde's work.The Cambridge Companion to Oscar Wilde offers an essential introduction to one of the theater'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. Part Two looks at Wilde's essential work as playwright and general writer. The third group of essays examines the themes and factors that shaped Wilde's work and includes Wilde and his view of the Victorian woman, Wilde's sexual identities, and interpreting Wilde on stage. The volume provides a detailed chronology of Wilde's work, a bibliography for further reading, and illustrations from important productions.List of illustrations and acknowledgements; Notes on contributors; Preface; Chronology; Part I. Context: 1. Biography and the art of lying Merlin Holland; 2. Wilde and the Victorians Regenia Gagnier; 3. Wilde and the Dandyism of the senses Stephen Calloway; Part II. Wilde's Work: 4. Wilde as poet Karl Beckson and Bobby Fong; 5. Wilde the journalist Jolã