The Cambridge Companion to Oscar Wilde (Cambridge Companions to Literature) [Hardcover]

Peter Raby (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 052147471X | ISBN-13: 978-0521474719 | Publication Date: November 13, 1997

The Cambridge Companion to Oscar Wilde offers an essential introduction to one of the theater's most important and enigmatic writers. Although a general overview, the volume also offers some of the latest thinking on the dramatist and his impact on the twentieth century. Part One places Wilde's work within the cultural and historical context of his time and includes an opening essay by Wilde's grandson, Merlin Holland. Part Two looks at Wilde's essential work as playwright and general writer. The third group of essays examines the themes and factors that shaped Wilde's work and includes Wilde and his view of the Victorian woman, Wilde's sexual identities, and interpreting Wilde on stage. The volume provides a detailed chronology of Wilde's work, a bibliography for further reading, and illustrations from important productions.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Cambridge Companion (a particularly refreshing collection...)is certainly the first of these volumes a Wilde enthusiast will want to own. Edited by Peter Raby...these 15 essays venture more deeply into the manner and more deftly into the manners of the subject than do many works of scholarly inquiry and speculation, some of the latter by the same contributors who have here been more succinct more pointed than in their bookmaking projects elsewhere." Richard Howard, LA Times

"An excellent overview of an important and enigmatic writer; enthusiastically recommended for all literary collections and all Wilde devotees." G. A. Cevasco, Choice

"The Cambridge Companion to Oscar Wilde exhibits the scholarly authority for which the series of which it is a part - the Cambridge Companions to Literature - has come to be known." Victorian Studies

Book Description

The Companion to Oscar Wilde offers an essential introduction to one of the theatre's most important and enigmatic writers. Part one places Wilde's work within the cultural and historical context of his time. Part two looks at Wilde's essential work. The third group of essays examines the themes and factors which shaped Wilde's work.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 331 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (November 13, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 052147471X
• ISBN-13: 978-0521474719
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,335,044 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Expected more, June 6, 2011

By 

Juan Pablo Neira - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Cambridge Companion to Oscar Wilde (Cambridge Companions to Literature) (Paperback)

A very limited book, though you would think otherwise being a Cambridge level research. On the matter of Wilde's view on art and his influences, i would rather recommend " Cosmopolitan Criticism" by Julia Prewitt Brown.

3 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Necessity for any student of Wilde..., January 9, 2005

By 

Sébastien Melmoth (Hôtel d'Alsace, PARIS) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cambridge Companion to Oscar Wilde (Cambridge Companions to Literature) (Paperback)

This collection is a necessity for any student of Wilde.