More than a selection of the writings of Ireland's foremost cultural figure of the nineteenth century, it's a concise journey, using Oscar Wilde's own words, through the epic tale of his life and work. Dr Johnson said about another Irish writer, Oliver Goldsmith: #x91;he touched nothing that he did not adorn.' So it was with Wilde, author of fairy tales, short stories, essays, poems long and short, biblical parables, a shocking novel and five plays, each more accomplished than the last. With John Wyse Jackson's stimulating commentary, and stylish design and illustration by Emma Byrne, this fresh gathering of Oscar's words will interest and delight new readers and devotees alike. For many years after his death, Oscar Wilde was almost ignored in Ireland. More recently, however, his importance as a world figure has been acknowledged at home. This selection, from a Dublin publisher, is a landmark celebration of one of Ireland's greatest sons.