Oscar Wilde
Irish playwright, novelist, poet, and author of short stories.
Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was an Irish playwright, novelist, poet, and author of short stories. After his release, he lived in France until his death in 1900.
- born
- 1854
- died
- 1900
- field
- playwright, novelist, poet, author of short stories
- nationality
- Irish
Lore & Background
Oscar Wilde was born in 1854 and died in 1900. He was an Irish playwright, novelist, poet, and author of short stories. After serving two years of hard labor, he left for France and never returned to Britain or Ireland. Wilde's life and career were marked by his flamboyant style and his legal battles, including a libel case against the Marquess of Queensberry that led to his own prosecution.
Reader's Guide
Wilde's legacy includes his influence on literature and LGBTQ+ history, as well as the Oscar Wilde Bookshop, a bookstore devoted to gay and lesbian authors.
Did You Know?
- Oscar Wilde was an Irish playwright, novelist, poet, and author of short stories.
- His only novel is The Picture of Dorian Gray.
- The Oscar Wilde Bookshop is a bookstore devoted to gay and lesbian authors.
- Three ships have been named MS Oscar Wilde.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Oscar Wilde?
Oscar Wilde was an Irish writer, poet, and dramatist born in 1854 who rose to become one of London's most celebrated playwrights by the early 1890s. He is often regarded as the standout dramatist of the Victorian period.
What works is Oscar Wilde most famous for?
He is best remembered for his Gothic novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, his razor-sharp epigrams, his stage plays, and his collection of children's bedtime stories. His 1895 criminal conviction for gross indecency also remains a defining part of his public legacy.
What was Oscar Wilde's connection to Aestheticism?
Wilde was a central voice in the Aestheticism movement that gained momentum in the latter part of the 19th century, championing the idea that art exists for its own beauty rather than moral instruction. His wit and flamboyant public persona made him the movement's most recognizable face.
What happened during Oscar Wilde's legal troubles?
In 1895, Wilde was found guilty of gross indecency, a verdict that led to his imprisonment and effectively ended his career as a public figure in England. The case remains one of the most widely discussed episodes in literary history.
When did Oscar Wilde die?
Wilde passed away on 30 November 1900, less than six years after his conviction. He was 46 years old at the time of his death.
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