The Complete Plays

Oscar Wilde, celebrated as one of the most prominent playwrights, novelists, and poets of the late Victorian era, was born on October 16, 1854, in Dublin, Ireland. Educated at Trinity College, Dublin, and Magdalen College, Oxford, Wilde quickly distinguished himself not only as a critically acclaimed author but also as a sparkling wit, whose conversation was as brilliant as his written prose. Wilde's literary output was diverse, including such notable works as 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' and his only published novel, as well as a range of influential plays, essays, and fairy tales. 'The Complete Plays,' a collection comprising his celebrated works such as 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' 'An Ideal Husband,' and 'Salome,' showcases his ability to blend satirical comedy with societal commentary. His writing is characterized by its flamboyant narrative style and the undercurrents of moral paradoxes, which often critiqued the puritanical mores of his time. Despite his success, Wilde suffered a catastrophic downfall due to the mores of the society he often lampooned. After serving two years in prison for 'gross indecency,' his health declined, leading to his untimely death on November 30, 1900, at the age of 46. Wilde's legacy, however, remains as enduring as his wit, with his works continuing to be celebrated for their literary brilliance and their prophetic insights into human nature and societal hypocrisy.