The Importance of Being Earnest
Here is Oscar Wilde's most brilliant tour de force, a witty and buoyant comedy of manners that has delighted millions in countless productions since its first performance in London's St. James' Theatre on February 14, 1895. The Importance of Being Earnest is celebrated not only for the lighthearted ingenuity of its plot, but for its inspired dialogue, rich with scintillating epigrams still savored by all who enjoy artful conversation.
From the play's effervescent beginnings in Algernon Moncrieff's London flat to its hilarious denouement in the drawing room of Jack Worthing's country manor in Hertfordshire, this comic masterpiece keeps audiences breathlessly anticipating a new bon mot or a fresh twist of plot moment to moment.
From the play's effervescent beginnings in Algernon Moncrieff's London flat to its hilarious denouement in the drawing room of Jack Worthing's country manor in Hertfordshire, this comic masterpiece keeps audiences breathlessly anticipating a new bon mot or a fresh twist of plot moment to moment.
BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
I've never been a reader of plays, but after reading The Picture of Dorian Gray, I was immediately obsessed with Oscar Wilde. This play was my next best find after googling him and realizing he had published only one novel. It did not disappoint - it was so silly and absurd and I loved it. It's a very short read packed with lots of ridiculous behavior and it was exactly what I hoped for. Wilde's writing style is uncomparable to any other and was a great joy to delve back into after a couple years.
It’s a funny enough quick read. Actually enjoyed it far more than I thought, and gave me a giggle, if I can be honest.
What a wonderful surprise this play was. I was expecting it to be a lot of old language and difficult to read but instead, it was an absolute delight! Oscar Wilde's wit and humor kept me intriqued AND smiling from start to finish. If a book has Wilde's name on it, you can bet it's a keeper!
See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.