Intentions

by Oscar Wilde and Oscar Oscar

Book Overview

Intentions consists of multiple essays in which Wilde combats the popular argument that art must adhere to a moral standard and serve a benevolent purpose. It's a direct contrast to longstanding tradition in contemporary literature.

Oscar Wilde delivers four irreverent essays that criticize the norm and celebrate the unexpected. Intentions features four of his works: "The Decay of Lying," "Pen, Pencil and Poison," "The...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 151327130X
• ISBN13: 9781513271309
• Release Date: February 2021
• Publisher: Mint Editions
• Length: 142 Pages
• Weight: 0.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Such Beauty.

Its hard to put into word the beauty and wonder and humor of these for stories. For the real follower of Wilde!

Very, very funny!

One day this summer I went Wild about Wilde! I think I purchased one copy of each of his works, and have been making my way through them all, (sometimes jumping back and forth), and Intentions is really a wonderful collection of some of his very witty, and very cutting stories. My favorite was 'The Decay of Lying' which is a subject I noticed Wilde writes about in many of his works, like in Dorian Gray. For some reason, this book is missed but many, and I myself just found it by accident, so do yourself a favor and read it! This is a charming and delightful edition! And if you want to read about lying in Dorian Gray: The Picture of Dorian Gray

Well recommended - you will love it if you love Wilde!

First, this is a lovely edition and well worth the money, and it arrived right on time, actually faster than I expected. Second, the book. Not just a wit, Wilde was an intellectual power house. You don't have to agree with him on everything, just enjoy his ability to make his own argument. In "Pen, Pencil and Poison", read how Wilde playfully argues the question, 'is a criminal an artist?' Fascinating! Superior book, lots of wit and it will stretch your mind.

May be the most important of Oscar Wilde's critical works!

It has been said that Intentions may be the most important of Oscar Wilde's critical works. Included in it are four essays: "The Decay of Lying," "Pen, Pencil and Poison," "The Critic as Artist," and "The Truth of Masks." "The Decay of Lying" -- from 1889 -- is an essay couched as a dialogue that Wilde once called it a "trumpet against the gate of dullness." The substance revolves around Wilde's Aestheticism, and he argues (through one character and another) that Art is superior to Nature. . . . "Pen, Pencil and Poison" -- from 1889 -- is a biographical essay on the notorious writer, murderer, and forger Thomas Griffiths Wainewright, who used the pen name "Janus Weathercock," and here Wilde puts forward the notion that that Wainewright's criminality reveals the soul of a true artist. In "The Critic as Artist," -- 1890 -- The Wilde's contends that critics must reach beyond the creative work that he considers. "The Truth of Masks" (1885) is an argumentative response to an article of Edward George Bulwer-Lytton's which put forward the notion that Shakespeare had little interest in the costumes that his characters wore. Brilliant and (as always) so well put, Wilde is a joy to read - food for the mind and soul. This is a nice well put together edition - all Wilde lovers well want.

Intentions

Intentions by Oscar Wilde. The Decay of Lying, Pen, Pencil And Poison, The Critic As Artist & The Truth of Masks. Published by MobileReference (mobi). Oscar Wilde was born in 1854 in Dublin, Ireland and his name has become synonymous with decadence from that era. Wilde's outlook on life comes through loud and clear in his works. Essential for those who want to enjoy literature while allowing it to expand the mind.