Synopses & Reviews
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.
Review
"This volume provides a solid and comprehensive introduction to the life and work of Oscar Wilde. Raby has an obvious appreciation for his subject, and gives a balanced and judicious assessment of Wilde's achievement as an author, neither under- nor overrating him. Raby writes clearly and organizes his material effectively, interweaving his account of Wilde's literary career with the details of his biography. He places particular emphasis on Wilde's work as a dramatist, and supplies useful information on the stage history of the most famous of the plays. Since the volume is intended to provide a general introduction to Wilde, it is perhaps unfair to criticize it for not analyzing its subject more deeply. Nevertheless, it is disappointing that Raby does not explore the kinds of issues critics have recently been raising about Wilde. For example, Raby does not consider in what ways Wilde's homosexuality might be relevant to the interpretation of works such as Salome and The Importance of Being Earnest. Still, for the general reader or the undergraduate student, this volume will undoubtedly prove helpful." Reviewed by Daniel Weiss, Virginia Quarterly Review (Copyright 2006 Virginia Quarterly Review)
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
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
Review
"An excellent overview of an important and enigmatic writer; enthusiastically recommended for all literary collections and all Wilde devotees." G. A. Cevasco, Choice
Review
"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
Synopsis
The essential guide to one of the theatre's most important characters, with an opening essay by Merlin Holland, Oscar Wilde's grandson.
Synopsis
This essential guide to one of the theatreâs most important and influential writers, offers not only a general overview, but also incorporates some of the latest critical thinking, a detailed chronology of Wildeâs work, a bibliography and illustrations from key productions.
Synopsis
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.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 295-298) and indexes.
Table of Contents
List of illustrations and acknowledgements; Notes on contributors; Preface; Chronology; Part I. Context: 1. Biography and the art of lying Merlin Holland; 2. Wilde and the Victorians Regenia Gagnier; 3. Wilde and the Dandyism of the senses Stephen Calloway; Part II. Wilde's Work: 4. Wilde as poet Karl Beckson and Bobby Fong; 5. Wilde the journalist John Stokes; 6. Wilde as critic and theorist Lawrence Danson; 7. Wilde's fiction(s) Jerusha McCormack; 8. Distance, death, and desire in Salome Joseph Donahue; 9. Wilde's comedies of society Peter Raby; 10. The Importance of Being Earnest Russell Jackson; Part III. Themes and Influences: 11. A verdict of death: Oscar Wilde, actresses, and Victorian women Kerry Powell; 12. 'A Complex, Multiform Creature' - Wilde's sexual identities Joseph Bristow; 13. Wilde's plays: some lines of influence Richard Allen Cave; 14. Wilde on stage Joel Kaplan; 15. Oscar Wilde: the resurgence of lying Declan Kiberd; Bibliography; Index.