Oscar Wilde, a Critical Study

Name: Oscar Wilde, a Critical Study
Author: Arthur Ransome

By Arthur Ransome

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About This Book

The study combines biographical narrative with close readings to examine the life and works of Oscar Wilde. It opens with an introductory discussion of criticism and the relation of life to art, then provides a chronological biographical summary and chapters analyzing his poems, aestheticism, miscellaneous prose, the essay collection Intentions, and his plays. The author traces the arc from public success to legal disaster, devoting attention to De Profundis and the final years, and incorporates letters and contemporary testimony. Throughout the text the critic assesses stylistic devices such as paradox, aphorism, and theatrical technique, and situates moral and aesthetic tensions within the author's career.

About the Author

Arthur Ransome

Arthur Ransome was an English author and journalist, best known for his contributions to children's literature and his insightful studies of Russian culture. His notable works include "Old Peter's Russian Tales," which introduces young readers to traditional Russian folklore, and "A History of Story-telling: Studies in the development of narrative," where he explores the evolution of narrative forms. Ransome's experiences in Russia during the early 20th century informed his writing, particularly in works like "Russia in 1919," reflecting on the tumultuous period following the Russian Revolution. His literary legacy continues to influence both children's literature and cultural studies.