The Cambridge Companion to Oscar Wilde offers an essential introduction to one of the theater's most important and enigmatic writers. Although a general overview, the volume also offers some of the latest thinking on the dramatist and his impact on the twentieth century. Part One places Wilde's work within the cultural and historical context of his time and includes an opening essay by Wilde's grandson, Merlin Holland. Part Two looks at Wilde's essential work as playwright and general writer. The third group of essays examines the themes and factors that shaped Wilde's work and includes Wilde and his view of the Victorian woman, Wilde's sexual identities, and interpreting Wilde on stage. The volume provides a detailed chronology of Wilde's work, a bibliography for further reading, and illustrations from important productions. "The Cambridge Companion (a particularly refreshing collection...)is certainly the first of these volumes a Wilde enthusiast will want to own. Edited by Peter Raby...these 15 essays venture more deeply into the manner and more deftly into the manners of the subject than do many works of scholarly inquiry and speculation, some of the latter by the same contributors who have here been more succinct more pointed than in their bookmaking projects elsewhere." Richard Howard, LA Times "An excellent overview of an important and enigmatic writer; enthusiastically recommended for all literary collections and all Wilde devotees." G. A. Cevasco, Choice "The Cambridge Companion to Oscar Wilde exhibits the scholarly authority for which the series of which it is a part - the Cambridge Companions to Literature - has come to be known." Victorian Studies The essential 1997 guide to one of the theatre's most important characters, with an opening essay by Merlin Holland, Oscar Wilde's grandson. Used Book in Good Condition