Oscar Wilde

1854–1900

Irish playwright, poet and wit (1854–1900), the leading voice of English Aestheticism and one of the most quoted writers in the language. Best known for comedies like The Importance of Being Earnest and for his only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890). His 1895 trial and imprisonment for gross indecency, and early death soon after his release, cut short a career at its peak.