The Importance of Being Earnest and Other Plays

by Oscar Wilde
The Importance of Being Earnest and Other Plays cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Drama
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  • ID: 7797
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780199535972
  • Publisher: Oxford Paperbacks
  • Published: 2008-04-17
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 3

Oscar Wilde, already a celebrated literary figure, turned his talents to the theatre, creating plays that remain powerful and relevant today. This edition offers fully annotated texts of his major plays, with modernized spelling and punctuation, along with a scholarly introduction and detailed annotations. Wilde's works, including 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' are renowned for their wit and social commentary, making them essential reads for anyone interested in classic drama. /n/nThe plays in this collection were pivotal in the dramatic renaissance of the 1890s and continue to be celebrated for their clever dialogue and insightful social critiques. Edited under the guidance of Dr. Michael Cordner, these texts provide a comprehensive look at Wilde's theatrical contributions, complete with modernized language and extensive scholarly notes. This edition is a must-have for both scholars and enthusiasts of Wilde's work.

Reviews
Penguin Books Australia · 2025-12-16
brilliant 4.50

The plays are sharp, relevant, and brilliant, showcasing Wilde's timeless humor and wit. The comedy of manners remains a classic, appealing to modern readers.

The reviewer emphasizes the sharpness, relevance, and brilliance of Wilde's plays, highlighting their timeless appeal. The comedy of manners, in particular, is noted for its enduring charm and wit, which continue to captivate modern readers. The plays are praised for their clever dialogue and engaging characters, making them a must-read for anyone interested in classic literature. The review underscores the lasting impact of Wilde's work, which remains as entertaining and insightful today as it was when first written.

Quick quotes

    A selection of Oscar Wilde's best and most important plays - sharp, relevant and brilliant to this day.

    Who would have thought a comedy of manners written more than a century ago could still be so relevant and entertaining.

    Wilde's humor and wit are timeless, making these plays a joy to read.

Quora · 2025-12-16
witty 4.25

The play is beautifully eloquent and extremely witty, with films and theatre performances bringing the characters to life effectively. The dialogue is quick-witted and clever, though some may find the writing quality mixed.

The reviewer praises the play for its beautiful eloquence and wit, noting that both films and theatre performances do justice to the characters. The quick-witted dialogue is a standout feature, making the play a delight to read and watch. However, the review also mentions that the writing quality receives mixed opinions, with some finding it clever while others may not be as impressed. Overall, the play's wit and character portrayals are highly regarded.

Quick quotes

    It's is beautifully eloquent and extremely witty.

    The films and theatre performances are always good to watch to see how the characters are portrayed.

    Wilde's quick-witted dialogue, and the writing quality receives mixed reviews.

The Storygraph · 2025-12-16
entertaining 4.00

Wilde's characters are delightfully eccentric, distinct yet avoiding the trap of caricature, making their interactions endlessly entertaining. The humor translates well for modern readers, though some of the drama and scandals may not resonate as strongly.

The reviewer highlights the delightful eccentricity of Wilde's characters, noting how they are distinct yet avoid becoming caricatures. This makes their interactions endlessly entertaining and witty. The humor in the plays is praised for translating well to modern readers, making it a joy to read. However, some of the drama and scandals depicted may not resonate as strongly with contemporary audiences, which is a minor drawback. Overall, the review emphasizes the timeless appeal of Wilde's wit and character development.

Quick quotes

    Wilde's characters are delightfully eccentric, distinct yet avoiding the trap of caricature, making their interactions endlessly entertaining.

    The humor translates well for a modern reader.

    Some of the drama/scandals doesn't translate as well.

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