The Decay of Lying

Name: The Decay of Lying
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)
Author: Unknown Author
ISBN: 9780140389197

by Unknown Author

5.0

(1 ratings)

80 pages1996Penguin ClassicsISBN 9780140389197

Drama Classics

About this book

In the library of a country house, Vivian writes an article about the importance of lying until he is interrupted by Cyril, who tries to tempt him away. Instead the two men are plunged into a discussion about art, nature, literature, and imagination. Set in the form of a witty dialogue between two speakers, this is an in-depth exploration of the relationship between life and art, as well as an examination of the work of such writers as Shakespeare and Balzac.

Publication Details

Publisher: Penguin Classics
Published: 1996
Pages: 80
ISBN: 9780140389197
Language: en

About Unknown Author

An Irish writer, poet, and prominent aesthete. Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde was an Irish playwright, poet, and author of numerous short stories, and one novel. Known for his biting wit, and a plentitude of aphorisms, he became one of the most successful playwrights of the late Victorian era in London, and one of the greatest celebrities of his day. Several of his plays continue to be widely performed, especially The Importance of Being Earnest. As the result of a widely covered series of trials, Wilde suffered a dramatic downfall and was imprisoned for two years hard labour after being convicted of "gross indecency" with other men. After Wilde was released from prison he set sail for Dieppe by the night ferry. He never returned to Ireland or Britain, and died in poverty.