Oscar Wilde The Dover Reader

An excellent collection of some of Oscar Wilde’s key works, including his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, some of his fairy tales and a couple of his plays. A useful and representative selection of his writings, ideal for those not already familiar with his trademark wit or his more serious work, but equally valuable for the Wilde devotee.

As with most people I have heard of Oscar Wilde, but unlike most people who managed six years of college I have never read him. I did hear of "Dorian Gray" in passing, and it even piqued my interest when that character had an appearance on Penny Dreadful. Still, it was never enough motivation for me to sit down and read it. Not that I am lazy when it comes to reading, but quite the opposite. I find it difficult to fit in books read purely for pleasure and putting it on a "to be read" list is like adding a drop in the ocean.

Wilde's writing carries a deeper theme than what lies at the surface. At the time of the reading, I did not know that I was familiar with one of Wilde's short stories "The Selfish Giant." I saw the animated short back in the early 1970s and remembered it still today. It is a simple story with a moral and a religious theme. Simple, but elegant. Wilde's short fiction pieces are very pleasurable. The nonfiction samples are interesting in themselves. More than just making a point, Wilde does it with style in "The Decay of Lying: An Observation." The use of a Socratic dialog to discuss Romanticism and Realism fits right in with Wilde's flair.

The other included works include the play "An Ideal Husband." A play about marriage and blackmail and acted in over the top melodramatic fashion. Wilde's most famous play is also included -- "The Importance of Being Earnest." Here again, wit, humor, and satire make this a classic. The longer work of fiction included in the collection is "The Picture of Dorian Gray." A story of art, vanity, the obsession with youth and beauty. Even back then Wilde can comment on the superficialness of society.

The Dover Reader provides complete stories and plays rather than excerpts. Although not a complete collection, the material included seems to be the most popular and lasting of Wilde's work. There is not detailed introduction with this collection providing background on Wilde or his work. There is a short three page "Note" presumably written by the editor Janet B. Kopito. All in all, this is a great collection. Most of the works included can be read in a single sitting, lunch break, or train ride commute to work. A great collection to familiarize (or refamiliarize) yourself with Wilde and his writing.

It's great to have so much of Wilde's work collected in one volume. I love his humor and his insights into human nature and society.

A good overall collection of key writings by Oscar Wilde. A good reader without being overwhelmed by a huge volume. Picture of Dorian Grey is one of my favorite, and also includes some of the plays. Would recommend.

Dover Thrift Editions never disappoint and this version is no exception. Comprehensive and concise. I always encourage readers to turn to the Dover Thrift Editions first for any project they may have or if they want a portable, comprehensive, and affordable overview of an author.

I am a huge Oscar Wilde fan, so a collection of some of his work is perfection to me. Especially any with The Picture of Dorian Gray. There are so many of his short stories that I had never read before and at least half became instant favorites.

A great collection of Oscar Wilde's work! Dover brilliantly presents readers with samples of every genre in Wilde's writing. In addition to variety, the works included are also those popular in discussion.

lots of Oscar Wilde - no review needed for his genius

I'm a big Oscar fan and my husband and father in law are HUGE Oscar fans. This is a fantastic collection of Wilde's work with someone for everyone, whether familiar or not with his work. I also think is an ideal way of introducing younger readers to Wilde. My son loved the fairy tales and in his teen years now is ready to take on the more substantial novels and plays and I think this is the perfect tool for this.