Summary:
"Selected Prose of Oscar Wilde" by Oscar Wilde is a collection of essays and critiques written during the late 19th century. This anthology showcases Wilde's wit and unique perspective on various facets of art, literature, and society, reflecting his belief in the importance of aestheticism and the interplay between life and artistic expression. The selection covers a range of topics, including critiques of contemporary writers, explorations of beauty in art, and thoughts on morality and existence. The opening portion of the collection includes a dedicated preface by Robert Ross, discussing the challenge of anthology curation and setting the stage for Wilde's exploration in prose. Ross emphasizes the clarity and ease of Wilde’s writing, contrasting it with the preciosity found in the works of his contemporaries. The selection also introduces Wilde's critical viewpoint on various authors, including a sharp commentary on George Meredith and a critique of contemporary realism in literature. This initial exploration establishes Wilde's signature blend of insightful criticism and lyrical prose, captivating readers and inviting them into his richly imaginative world. (This is an automatically generated summary.)