The Evolution of Wilde's Wit

by J. Gantar

Overview

Oscar Wilde's wit is foundational to his works, from his plays and novels to his self-defense at his trials. This book is a comprehensive account of Oscar Wilde's wit that focuses on discovering reasons for his critical success and ongoing legacy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781137488480
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan US
Publication date:	02/19/2015
Edition description:	2015
Pages:	191
Product dimensions:	5.70(w) x 8.60(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Jure Gantar is Professor of Theatre at Dalhousie University, Canada.

Table of Contents

1. Damp Squibs 2. Comma in the Afternoon 3. The Apparatus for Turning out 'Oscarisms' 4. Truth on a Tightrope 5. Laws and Exceptions 6. Expressing One's Self 7. Summaries of All Existence

Editorial Reviews

"A thoughtful, often quite delightful meditation upon Wilde, wit, and the nature of language in general." - S.I. Salamensky, author of The Modern Art of Influence and the Spectacle of Oscar Wilde

"The Evolution of Wilde's Wit makes a powerful case for Wilde as a modern critical thinker, while it supplies an invaluable education in the history of wit and humor. Gantar clarifies the full implications of Wilde's epigrams, showing how they have always lived by exposing the tyrannical possibilities of language. Continuously graceful, Gantar's writing is also by turns meticulously accurate, entertaining, and profound." - Robert Combs, Professor, English, George Washington University, USA

From the Publisher