Bücher von Oscar Wilde

Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde (16 October 1854 - 30 November 1900) was an Irish poet and playwright. After writing in different forms throughout the 1880s, he became one of the most popular playwrights in London in the early 1890s.As a spokesman for aestheticism, he tried his hand at various literary activities: he published a book of poems, lectured in the United States and Canada on the new "English Renaissance in Art" and interior decoration, and then returned to London where he worked prolifically as a journalist. Known for his biting wit, flamboyant dress, and glittering conversational skill, Wilde became one of the best-known personalities of his day. At the turn of the 1890s, he refined his ideas about the supremacy of art in a series of dialogues and essays and incorporated themes of decadence, duplicity, and beauty into what would be his only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890). The opportunity to construct aesthetic details precisely, and combine them with larger social themes, drew Wilde to write drama. He wrote Salome (1891) in French while in Paris but it was refused a license for England due to an absolute prohibition on the portrayal of Biblical subjects on the English stage. Unperturbed, Wilde produced four society comedies in the early 1890s, which made him one of the most successful playwrights of late-Victorian London.At the height of his fame and success, while The Importance of Being Earnest (1895) was still being performed in London, Wilde prosecuted the Marquess of Queensberry for criminal libel. The Marquess was the father of Wilde's lover, Lord Alfred Douglas. The libel trial unearthed evidence that caused Wilde to drop his charges and led to his own arrest and trial for gross indecency with men. After two more trials, he was convicted and sentenced to two years' hard labor, the maximum penalty, and was jailed from 1895 to 1897. During his last year in prison, he wrote De Profundis (published posthumously in 1905), a long letter that discusses his spiritual journey through his trials, forming a dark counterpoint to his earlier philosophy of pleasure. On his release, he left immediately for France, and never returned to Ireland or Britain. There he wrote his last work, The Ballad of Reading Gaol (1898), a long poem commemorating the harsh rhythms of prison life.The Importance of Being Earnest, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People is a play by Oscar Wilde. First performed on 14 February 1895 at the St James's Theatre in London, it is a farcical comedy in which the protagonists maintain fictitious personae to escape burdensome social obligations. Working within the social conventions of late Victorian London, the play's major themes are the triviality with which it treats institutions as serious as marriage, and the resulting satire of Victorian ways. Some contemporary reviews praised the play's humor and the culmination of Wilde's artistic career, while others were cautious about its lack of social messages. Its high farce and witty dialogue have helped make The Importance of Being Earnest Wilde's most enduringly popular play.After his release from prison, he published the play from exile in Paris, but he wrote no more comic or dramatic works.The Importance of Being Earnest has been revived many times since its premiere. It has been adapted for the cinema on three occasions. In The Importance of Being Earnest (1952), Dame Edith Evans reprised her celebrated interpretation of Lady Bracknell; The Importance of Being Earnest (1992) by Kurt Baker used an all-black cast; and Oliver Parker's The Importance of Being Earnest (2002) incorporated some of Wilde's original material cut during the preparation of the original stage production.

The artist is the creator of beautiful things. To reveal art and conceal the artist is art's aim. The critic is he who can translate into another manner or a new material his impression of beautiful things.The highest as the lowest form of criticism is a mode of autobiography. Those who find ugly meanings in beautiful things are corrupt without being charming. This is a fault.Those who find beautiful meanings in beautiful things are the cultivated. For these there is hope. They are the elect to

Wildes erste Märchensammlung war zugleich sein erstes Prosawerk. Leid, Leiden, Mitgefühl und Selbstsucht sind die allen in der Sammlung enthaltenen Erzählungen gemeinsamen Themen. Die Märchen sind in einem schmückenden und sinnlichen Stil geschrieben, welcher einen scheinbar einfachen Inhalt hat. "Der glückliche Prinz" (The Happy Prince) ist das Titelmärchen und erzählt von einer sehr kostbaren, mit Gold und Edelsteinen verzierten Denkmalfigur. Diese ist vom Elend der Stadt so gerührt, dass sie eine Schwalbe bittet, ihre Reichtümer unter den armen Menschen zu verteilen. Nachdem die Statue unansehnlich geworden ist, wird diese durch eine Statue des Bürgermeisters ersetzt und ein Engel bringt die Seele der Schwalbe und ihres Auftraggebers in den Paradiesgarten. "Die Nachtigall und die Rose" (The Nightingale and the Rose) handelt von einem Studenten, der für seine Angebetete die schönstmögliche Rose sucht und eine Nachtigall findet, die für ihn die Rose mit ihrem Herzblut erblühen lässt. Als der Student jedoch von der Liebe enttäuscht wird, wirft er die Rose achtlos fort. "Der selbstsüchtige Riese" (The Selfish Giant) handelt von einem Riesen, der aus Selbstsucht allen Kindern verbietet, seinen Garten zu betreten. Gottes Zorn über die Tat des Riesen lässt im Garten einen ewigen Winter herrschen, bis einen Tages ein paar Kinder in den Garten schlüpfen und diesen und des Riesen Herz erblühen lassen. Ein Kind hat Wundmale an Händen und Füßen. "Der ergebene Freund" (The Devoted Friend) ist die Geschichte des hilfsbereiten Hans, der sich für den selbstsüchtigen Müller sogar nachts ins Moor begibt, dort aber ertrinkt. "Die vornehme Rakete" (The Remarkable Rocket) erzählt von einem selbstverliebten Feuerwerkskörper, der zur Demonstration seiner Sensibilität in Tränen ausbricht, dabei aber so nass wird, dass er nicht mehr zündet und schließlich weggeworfen wird. [Wikipedia]Der Text folgt der Ausgabe von 1922, erschienen im Verlag Neufeld & Henius. Die Auswahl entspricht der illustrierten englischen Ausgabe London 1913.InhaltDer glückliche PrinzDie Nachtigall und die RoseDer selbstsüchtige RieseDer ergebene FreundDie vornehme Rakete

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a Gothic and philosophical novel by Oscar Wilde, first published complete in the July 1890 issue of Lippincott's Monthly Magazine. Fearing the story was indecent, prior to publication the magazine's editor deleted roughly five hundred words without Wilde's knowledge. Despite that censorship, The Picture of Dorian Gray offended the moral sensibilities of British book reviewers, some of whom said that Oscar Wilde merited prosecution for violating the laws guarding public morality.The longer and revised version of The Picture of Dorian Gray published in book form in 1891 featured an aphoristic preface-a defense of the artist's rights and of art for art's sake-based in part on his press defenses of the novel the previous year. The content, style, and presentation of the preface made it famous in its own right, as a literary and artistic manifesto. In April 1891, the publishing firm of Ward, Lock and Company, who had distributed the shorter, more inflammatory, magazine version in England the previous year, published the revised version of The Picture of Dorian Gray.The Picture of Dorian Gray is the only novel written by Wilde. It exists in several versions: the 1890 magazine edition (in 13 chapters), with important material deleted before publication by the magazine's editor, J. M. Stoddart; the "uncensored" version submitted to Lippincott's Monthly Magazine for publication (also in 13 chapters), with all of Wilde's original material intact, first published in 2011 by Harvard University Press; and the 1891 book edition (in 20 chapters). As literature of the 19th century, The Picture of Dorian Gray "pivots on a gothic plot device" with strong themes interpreted from Faust.Dorian Gray is the subject of a full-length portrait in oil by Basil Hallward, an artist impressed and infatuated by Dorian's beauty; he believes that Dorian's beauty is responsible for the new mood in his art as a painter.Newly understanding that his beauty will fade, Dorian expresses the desire to sell his soul, to ensure that the picture, rather than he, will age and fade. The wish is granted, and Dorian pursues a libertine life of varied amoral experiences while staying young and beautiful; all the while, his portrait ages and records every sin.Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde (16 October 1854 - 30 November 1900) was an Irish poet and playwright. After writing in different forms throughout the 1880s, he became one of the most popular playwrights in London in the early 1890s.As a spokesman for aestheticism, he tried his hand at various literary activities: he published a book of poems, lectured in the United States and Canada on the new "English Renaissance in Art" and interior decoration, and then returned to London where he worked prolifically as a journalist. Known for his biting wit, flamboyant dress, and glittering conversational skill, Wilde became one of the best-known personalities of his day. At the turn of the 1890s, he refined his ideas about the supremacy of art in a series of dialogues and essays and incorporated themes of decadence, duplicity, and beauty into what would be his only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890). The opportunity to construct aesthetic details precisely, and combine them with larger social themes, drew Wilde to write drama. He wrote Salome (1891) in French while in Paris but it was refused a license for England due to an absolute prohibition on the portrayal of Biblical subjects on the English stage. Unperturbed, Wilde produced four society comedies in the early 1890s, which made him one of the most successful playwrights of late-Victorian London.

"Like two doomed ships that pass in stormWe had crossed each other's way:But we made no sign, we said no word,We had no word to say"-Oscar Wilde, The Ballad of Reading Gaol (1898) The poem The Ballad of Reading Gaol (1898) by Oscar Wilde, was inspired by the two years he spent in the jail of Reading Gaol, England. There he experienced the hanging of Royal Horse Guards trooper Charles Thomas Wooldridge, convicted for the murder of his wife. This poem, dedicated to Wooldridge, describes not only his execution, but is also an indictment of the Victorian penal system and a plea for reform of prison conditions.This poem, Wilde's last publication, was very successful and assured he had a steady income until his death at a young age in 1900.

Oscar Wilde, with his legendary works of literature is a delight to read at all times. This iconic drama is a series of events and characters all caught up and wound in their own situations. It is only in the series of these complex situations that layers of human behaviours are revealed making it interesting and at the same time making the character vulnerable to the situations they have got themselves into. The unfurling of events leads to many important discoveries and realizations and the

Was braucht es, um als Mensch wirklich frei zu sein? Sozialismus ¿ davon überzeugt war der Schriftsteller Oscar Wilde. In dem erstmals im Jahr 1891 veröffentlichten Essay »Der Sozialismus und die Seele des Menschen« entwarf er die Utopie einer sozialistischen Gesellschaft. »Es wird natürlich gesagt werden, ein solcher Plan, wie er hier vorgebracht ist, sei ganz unpraktisch und gehe gegen die Natur des Menschen. Das ist völlig wahr. Er ist unpraktisch und er geht gegen die Natur des Menschen. Darum verdient er es, durchgeführt zu werden, und darum schlägt man ihn vor. Denn was ist ein praktischer Plan? Ein praktischer Plan ist entweder ein Plan, der bereits besteht, oder ein Plan, der unter den bestehenden Verhältnissen durchgeführt werden könnte. Aber gerade gegen die bestehenden Verhältnisse wendet man sich; und jeder Plan, der sich in diese Verhältnisse fügen könnte, ist schlecht und töricht. Mit den Verhältnissen wird aufgeräumt werden, und die Natur des Menschen wird sich ändern.«

A House of Pomegranates is a series of enchanting stories from Oscar Wilde highlighting the moral conflicts, deception, tragedies and triumphs of four distinct narratives. Each tale features a profound transformation that may or may not lead to a happy ending.In A House of Pomegranates readers will find rich stories with fantastical characters in mystical settings. The book consists of "The Young King," "The Birthday of the Infanta," "The Fisherman and his Soul" and "The Star-child." Each tale follows a character¿s unorthodox journey through physical and emotional trials, which lead to triumph or tragedy. Wilde¿s compelling prose delivers relatable allegories for all readers, regardless of age or status. With A House of Pomegranates, Wilde returns to the fairytale genre with another selection of captivating short stories. He uses a children¿s medium to explore class, greed, narcissism and betrayal. It¿s a standout among his diverse catalog, which contains adult contemporary titles like The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest.With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of A House of Pomegranates is both modern and readable.

Oscar Wilde presents a libertarian socialist view of the economic disparities caused by capitalism, that lead to futile acts of charity instead of definitive solutions. Wilde encourages an overhaul of the structures that allow such inequalities to exist. The Soul of Man Under Socialism is an insightful look into Wilde¿s personal and political beliefs. Within the essay he emphasizes individualism over group think, using Jesus Christ as a prime example. He also offers a detailed critique of capitalist societies that revel in charity, instead of eliminating its need. Poverty cannot be fought with kindness; it requires genuine compassion backed by policy. Wilde¿s perspective was heavily influenced by the writings of Peter Kropotkin, a Russian anarchist and socialist. In The Soul of Man Under Socialism, Wilde invokes powerful ideas that call for accountability and drastic change. It¿s a raw declaration of his contemporary anarchist views.With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Soul of Man Under Socialism is both modern and readable.

Gerald Arbuthnot receives a promotion from Lord Illingworth, a worldly politician who has a sordid history of women, one of whom is Gerald¿s widowed mother. When their connection is revealed, the young man questions his past, present and future aspirations.A Woman of No Importance opens with a high-class party featuring a group of society¿s most illustrious citizens. In the midst of the event, Gerald Arbuthnot enters and announces his new position as secretary to the renown, Lord Illingworth. It¿s an exciting opportunity that pleases Miss Hester Worsley, an American visitor and admirer of Gerald. What should be a cause for celebration becomes an awkward moment of truth between Lord Illingworth and Gerald¿s mother, Mrs. Rachel Arbuthnot.Set in the late-nineteenth century, A Woman of No Importance is a commentary on contemporary English society. One family¿s façade is broken by a hidden truth testing the relationship of mother and son. It¿s a provocative tale about the power of seduction and political ambition.With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of A Woman of No Importance is both modern and readable.

Lady Windermere misinterprets her husband''s interest in an older woman, Mrs. Erlynne, causing a rift that could lead to both marital and societal ruin. Lady Windermere''s Fan Is an intriguing tale that examines intention versus outcome in a world driven by perception. Lady Windermere is a young wife who''s concerned by her husband''s connection to the mysterious, Mrs. Erlynne. She believes the woman is a threat to her marriage and livelihood. Despite her husband''s denial, Lady Windermere decides to entertain the attention of another suitor--Lord Darlington. In the heat of the moment, she engages in reckless behavior that could cause irreputable damage to her name. A sudden act of kindness from an unexpected source spares Lady Windermere a harsh fate. Like many of Wilde''s works, Lady Windermere''s Fan highlights the hypocrisy and oppression of high-class society. It creates an environment of secrets that can free or destroy its keepers. This is a thought-provoking story with a resounding a message. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Lady Windermere''s Fan is both modern and readable.

When the prophet Jokanaan is brought to the attention of the princess Salomé, he rebukes her interest, which causes her to make a brutal declaration.Oscar Wilde¿s one-act tragedy explores the repercussions of her horrifying decision.Originally composed in French in 1892, Salomé is a controversial tale full of cruelty and retribution. Wilde expands on the Biblical story of John the Baptist, whom was captured and beheaded by Herod Antipas. It explores the interaction between the characters showing Salomé¿s spiteful nature and Herod¿s growing concern. It¿s a bold adaptation of a somber tale that leaves a mark on all who read it. Salomé¿s one-act story structure immediately dives into the strange dynamic amongst Herod and his family. Once Salomé¿s bloodlust is apparent Herod¿s forced to reconcile both of their futures. It¿s a haunting drama that¿s amplified by its Biblical setting and notable characters.With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Salomé is both modern and readable.