Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Witty and buoyant comedy of manners is brilliantly plotted from its effervescent first act to its hilarious denouement, and filled with some of literature s most famous epigrams. Widely considered Wilde s most perfect work, the play is reprinted here from an authoritative early British edition. Recommended in Seton Grade 12, Seton English Grade 12Author: Oscar WildeFormat: 64 pages, PaperbackPublisher: Dover Publications (July 1, 1990) ISBN: 978-0486264783
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Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 87
 Bravo, bravo, Mr. Wilde! September 2, 2010
Adrienne (Hartsdale, NY)
This is possibly the most amazing work to come out of English literature and the English language. How can something so inane and senseless be so captivating, intriguing, and darling? The play makes one happy. And best to see it well-performed.
 ... July 12, 2010
Nicola Muzsla (UK)
I read this on my 100 classic book collection for Nintedo DS because it ranked ad 'the funniest book' well I'm sorry but I didn't laugh once. The girls in the play were annoying and the only likeable character is Jack. I'm not a big fan of plays at the best of times but reading this has made sure I don't pick up another one in a while.
Classic Wit April 29, 2010
R. Silva (Cape Cod MA USA)
Oscar Wilde's last and best-known play is a classic comedy complete with mistaken identities, biting satire, and a fair amount of punning (including a crucial pun in the title). This is Wilde at his irreverent best as he repeatedly skewers as many aspects of late 19th Century English society as he can manage.
I've occasionally heard the term "joke density" applied to comedy writing, and The Importance of Being Ernest certainly has that. Every character in the play is witty, and the jabs, barbs, and puns come fast and furious.
The story centers on two somewhat roguish young bachelors who have both created elaborate lies to help them to cover for their mischief. At different points in the play, both gentlemen have assumed the false name of Ernest, which becomes a problem once two women become involved. Two women who are both particularly enamored with the idea of marrying someone named Ernest.
The tightly plotted play has enough twists and turns to keep things interesting, and the witty dialogue never lets up.
The Avon (a HarperCollins imprint) paperback edition that I read contained a short collection of critical essays, the most interesting being a (mostly negative) review by George Bernard Shaw of the original production of the play, which raises some interesting points about the nature of comedy. I found some good insights into the career of Oscar Wilde in the introduction and the other critical pieces, but those familiar with his life and work would not be missing much by skipping these "bonus features".
The play itself was a really enjoyable work to read, and I'll keep an eye out for a chance to catch a performance of it sometime.
 General Books Problem...Not the book March 24, 2010
S. Sanders (Texas)
I ordered this for my daughters birthday and Amazon delivered right on her birthday. My daughter is a huge Oscar Wilde fan! Unfortunately, the book was full of garbage text. It was printed by General Books the day I ordered it. I then requested a replacement. Once again, it was printed the day I made my request and it contained the exact garbage text that the original order contained. Here is an example of the garbage text that this book contained...(Jk*he$. HeL*) This was all throughout the book. Then half the book looked like some bizarre glossary that didn't even belong to this book. The entire book was worthless both times and I requested a refund. I can't give a proper review on the book as it was unreadable!
A charming edition! January 24, 2010
Kylie Edwards (North America)
you know the story, but this is just a review to say I really liked the cover too, and this is a charming edition, enjoy the laughter!
Showing reviews 1-5 of 87
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