The Duchess of Padua: A Play (Classic Reprint) [Paperback]

Oscar Wilde (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 25, 2010

PREFACE TO SECOND EDITION The Duchess of Padua was begun in 1882, and finished in March 1888. It was produced in New York on November 14, 1891, at Hammerstein's Opera House. Twenty prompt copies were printed for private circulation and use in the theatre. One of only three copies known to exist contains the au thor's COITections. The corrections have been followed in this secolld edition as far as.possible: though certain deleted passages have been retained in order to preserve the sense, t~~ ·author not having supplied substitutes. In the first edition (Metllllen and Co., 1908) the corrections were marked by brackets. Where the authOl"' s deletions have obviously improved the action of the drama for purposes of presentation or reading, the deleted passages are omitted. Exceptions are made in favour of a few lines of finer quality, and these lines are retained though deleted in the prompt copy. The original manuscript was stolen, with other unpublished works, fr

About the Publisher

Forgotten Books is a publisher of historical writings, such as: Philosophy, Classics, Science, Religion, History, Folklore and Mythology.

Forgotten Books' Classic Reprint Series utilizes the latest technology to regenerate facsimiles of historically important writings. Careful attention has been made to accurately preserve the original format of each page whilst digitally enhancing the difficult to read text. Read books online for free at http://www.forgottenbooks.org

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Known for his barbed wit, Oscar Wilde was one of the most successful late-Victorian playwrights and a great celebrity. The Importance of Being Earnest and The Picture of Dorian Gray are among his best known works. He is perhaps most famous for his trial, in which he eloquently defended homosexual love and was sentenced to two years of hard labor. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Forgotten Books; First Edition edition (March 25, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1451010575
• ISBN-13: 978-1451010572
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,968,640 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I really enjoyed this play!, September 6, 2009

By 

Nice Person (North America) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Duchess of Padua (Paperback)

I see that one reviewer has done a good job explaining the play, so I wont do that again, just give you my feedback.

1) this is a great edition, if you were wondering

2) you are not likely to see this play as most of Wildes' plays these days that are produced are the well known ones (and nothing wrong with that) so it is very worth reading

3) the play is full of Shakespeare and its a joy to read and clue in to the different Shakespearean undercurrents, like a cultural detective - lots of fun

4) its Oscar Wilde, and if you have not read or see it, you owe it to yourself to do so!

Well recommended!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Known as the Italian Play, July 26, 2009

By 

Peter John Pols "Reading and Watching" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Duchess of Padua (Paperback)

This is a treasure - often never seen by average audiences, so its a joy to read. It was Wilds first major work put on, but not really discovered until after Lady W's Fan. This is Wilde exploring self-denying - as he was at the time, at least from a public point of view. Many deep emotions are explored here - from love and hatred, revenge and revulsion.

Great cover and great edition, very good for the Wilde fan and collector.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wilde's way with words is so impressive, that the play begs to be presented., September 13, 2009

By 

Christine Richardson (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Duchess of Padua (Paperback)

What a joy to discover this play! I was puttering about on Amazon and purchasing a copy of The Importance of Being Earnest for a friend for their birthday, when I found this Wilde play. It's not at all like Earnest, and should not be read like a social comedy, however its genius is still Wilde, clearly.

The major theme is emotions, love, revenge, and hatred - and they are not treated in a funny way, quite the reverse. Still, the dialogue is the gift that we get when we read the Duchess, Wilde's way with words is so impressive, that the play begs to be presented.

But, I'm happy to just read it again, knowing that since the folks who buy tickets to Cats wont be paying to watch The Duchess of Padua and therefore it will not go on.

The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People