Originally published in 1891, when Wilde was at the height of his form, these brilliant essays on art, literature, criticism, and society display the flamboyant poseur's famous wit and wide learning. A leading spokesman for the English Aesthetic movement, Wilde promoted 'art for art's sake' against critics who argued that art must serve a moral purpose. On every page of this collection, the gifted literary stylist admirably demonstrates not only that the characteristics of art are 'distinction, charm, beauty, and imaginative power', but also that criticism itself can be raised to an art form possessing these very qualities. For newcomers to Wilde and those who already know his famous plays and fiction, this superb collection of his criticism offers many delights.
- ISBN10 1591021952
- ISBN13 9781591021957
- Publish Date 1 June 2004 (first published 2 May 1891)
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 8 August 2015
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Prometheus Books
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 263
- Language English