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Best Oscar Wilde books?

Anyone?

The Picture of Dorian Gray comes to mind first. I've heard it described as waffly but I really enjoyed it. The 'Wilde wit' is present throughtout and he raises interesting issues in it. It's def worth a read even if you just want to understand that Libertines' song 'Narcissist' lol. Have you ever read/seen any of his plays before?

Reply 2

Inphinite

I've only ever read The Picture of Dorian Gray, and it is well recommended.

Reply 3

bright-eyes

1

Inphinite

I've only ever read The Picture of Dorian Gray, and it is well recommended.

Well, no wonder. The Picture of Dorian Gray was his only novel. The rest were plays and poetry.
*Sorry, just had to clear that up :biggrin:

*

Reply 4

Scheherazade

11

The Picture of Dorian Grey, I've alread mentioned it in a lot of threads in the books forum.

Also: The importance of being Earnest, and The happy prince.

Reply 5

milady

9

there's only like one book anyway, isn't there? and some collection of fairytales.

read the plays. they're much better. i recommend 'an ideal husband.'

this is irrelevant, but i'm sure a nice, anecdote-filled biography would be entertaining, too.

Reply 6

Madelyn

13

Richard Ellman wrote a meticulous biography of Wilde, which is really rather interesting. As people have said, Wilde's only novel is Dorian Gray (which is, incidentally, both brilliant and enormous fun), but there are also lots of short stories, poetry, and of course the plays. I'm not sure quite how you'd classify The Critic as Artist (dialogue?) or The Soul of Man Under Socialism (essay?). Many of the short stories are rather whimsical and are apparently aimed at children, but they're still worth reading, especially (I think) Lord Arthur Savile's Crime. I adore Wilde, but much of his poetry is rather tedious and you can see all too clearly the influence of Bosie. Of the plays, I think The Importance of Being Earnest is easily the best, and the best representation of Wilde's ability. Salome is also quite interesting, but the only English translation seems to be Bosie's horrifically inaccurate one.

Reply 7

Crazy Mongoose

12

Poor Bosie is rather getting a kicking....

Anyway, as well as Dorian Grey, 'The Selfish Giant' is a true classic and one you should read to your children.

Anyone seen the film, 'Wilde'? Stephen Fry rocks...

Reply 8

Madelyn

13

Bosie is a bit crap, and thoroughly deserves his kicking. Have you read his poetry?!

We had a song at junior school based on The Selfish Giant, about breaking down walls. I'm not sure why I felt I had to share that with you...

Yes, Wilde (the film) is excellent. Brilliant casting!

Reply 9

snowy

I liked the picture of Dorian Gray, think Wilde's got a quite flamboyant and witty style! Well his quotes are always fun anyway :p:

Reply 10

Liquid Skin

1

ahh sweet sweet uncyclopedia, it certainly gives a new slant on Wilde :wink:

Reply 11

rottcodd

3

Did anyone see that adaption of the importance of being earnest at some point over christmas? I remember starting to watch it half way and thought it was excellent, though it's never been on since.

It had that guy in it who was in the BBC adaption of Price and Prejudice, as well as being in Bridget Jones, can't remember his name sadly...

Reply 12

Crazy Mongoose

12

steerpike

Did anyone see that adaption of the importance of being earnest at some point over christmas? I remember starting to watch it half way and thought it was excellent, though it's never been on since.

It had that guy in it who was in the BBC adaption of Price and Prejudice, as well as being in Bridget Jones, can't remember his name sadly...

It had Colin Firth and Dame Judy Dench, amongst others...

Reply 13

discombobulation

2

Ballad of Reading Gaol...I know its only a poem but it is bloody amazing...I love Wilde so much!!

Reply 14

centime

2

I just started reading The Picture of Dorian Gray, and have to agree with snowy- definitely a fan of Wilde's humour. :smile:

Apparently the book was used as evidence against him at his trial and its really interesting to look at the revisions that were made to it to make it more PC...

Reply 15

happydinosaur

15

My favourite Wilde story is The Selfish Giant. It is simply wonderful :smile:

I also like his observational essays..

The Decay Living, I enjoyed reading that!!

Reply 16

kinza75

1

Inphinite

I've only ever read The Picture of Dorian Gray, and it is well recommended.

Reply 17

dumdum123

> Picture of Dorian Gray
> Importance of being earnest

Reply 18

wiggles

2

I've just started The Picture of Dorian Grey, and I'm enjoying it so far.

Reply 19

jomo

1

I haven't read the Picure of Dorian Gray but have been begged to by several people so will probably get it out sometime. My favourite works of Wilde have to be the Importance of Being Earnest or the Ballad of Reading Gaol - not well known, but v. moving. :frown:

Best Oscar Wilde books?

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