Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was an Irish writer, poet, and playwright. His novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, brought him lasting recognition, and he became one of the most successful playwrights of the late Victorian era with a series of witty social satires, including his masterpiece, The Importance of Being Earnest.Stanley Weintraub is Evan Pugh Professor Emeritus of Arts and Humanities at Pennsylvania State University, and the author of numerous histories and biographies, including Silent Night.Richard Aldington (1892-1962) was a founding poet of the Imagist movement and a novelist who conveyed the horror of war through his written works such as Death of a Hero. He was also known for his work as a translator, critic, and biographer. Aldington interrupted his writing career to serve in the British army during World War I.

• Introduction by Richard Aldington and Stanley WeintraubSome Dates in the Life of Oscar WildeThe Critic as ArtistThe Picture of Dorian GraySaloméThe Importance of Being EarnestDe ProfundisPoems, Poems in Prose, and a Fairy TaleHélas!From Ave ImperatrixRequiescatFrom The Burden of ItysFrom CharmidesSymphony in YellowThe Harlot's HouseOn the Sale by Auction of Keats' Love LettersPortia: Written at the Lyceum TheatreThe Ballad of Reading GaolThe Selfish GiantReviewsFrom A Bevy of PoetsFrom Pleasing and PrattlingFrom A "Jolly" Art CriticFrom A Cheap Edition of a Great ManFrom The Poets' Corner, IIIFrom The Poets' Corner, VFrom Poetry and PrisonLetters from Oscar Wildeto Mrs. George Lewisto Mrs. Bernard Beereto Robert H. Sherardto Constance Lloyd Wildeto the Editor of the Scots Observerto Bernard Shawto the Editor of the Timesto Grace Hawthorneto Lord Alfred Douglasto Robert Rossto Lord Alfred Douglasto the Home Secretaryto Carlos Blackerto Reginald Turnerto Leonard Smithersto Robert RossWildean Wit from the Other ComediesI. From Lady Windermere's FanII. From A Woman of No ImportanceIII. From An Ideal HusbandPhrases and Philosophies for the Use of the Young