by Oscar Wilde
It has constantly been made a subject of reproach against artists and men of letters that they are lacking in wholeness and completeness of nature. As a rule this must necessarily be so. That very concentration of … Read the rest
Category: Oscar Wilde
Phrases and Philosophies for the Use of the Young
by Oscar Wilde
The Decay of Lying
by Oscar Wilde
A DIALOGUE. Persons: Cyril and Vivian. Scene: the Library of a country house in Nottinghamshire.
CYRIL (coming in through the open window from the terrace). My dear Vivian, don’t coop yourself up all day in the library. … Read the rest
The Soul of Man Under Socialism
by Oscar Wilde
The chief advantage that would result from the establishment of Socialism is, undoubtedly, the fact that Socialism would relieve us from that sordid necessity of living for others which, in the present condition of things, presses so … Read the rest
A Few Maxims For The Instruction Of The Over-Educated
by Oscar Wilde
Education is an admirable thing. But it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.
Public opinion exists only where there are no ideas.
The English are always … Read the rest
The Selfish Giant
by Oscar Wilde
Every afternoon, as they were coming from school, the children used to go and play in the Giant’s garden.
It was a large lovely garden, with soft green grass. Here and there over the grass stood beautiful … Read the rest
The Sphinx Without a Secret
by Oscar Wilde
Two former classmates from Oxford meet by chance in Paris and discuss the mystery of a beautiful woman that one of them has known.
The story contains some unusual terms, for your reading convenience I will define … Read the rest
The Star-Child
by Oscar Wilde
Once upon a time two poor Woodcutters were making their way home through a great pine-forest. It was winter, and a night of bitter cold. The snow lay thick upon the ground, and upon the branches of … Read the rest
The Young King
by Oscar Wilde
It was the night before the day fixed for his coronation, and the young King was sitting alone in his beautiful chamber. His courtiers had all taken their leave of him, bowing their heads to the ground, … Read the rest
The Birthday of the Infanta
by Oscar Wilde
It was the birthday of the Infanta. She was just twelve years of age, and the sun was shining brightly in the gardens of the palace.
Although she was a real Princess and the Infanta of Spain, … Read the rest