The Evolution of Wilde's Wit

"Oscar Wilde's wit is foundational to his works, from his plays and novels to his self-defense at his trials. Through analysis of Wilde's collection of epigrams, 'Phrases and Philosophies for the Use of the Young,' Gantar constructs a framework for a systematic analysis of the different aspects of Wilde's wit: the relevance, significance, and cogency of its thought, and the coherence, intensity, and complexity of its expression. This book is a comprehensive account of Oscar Wilde's wit that focuses on discovering reasons for his critical success and ongoing legacy"--