Although known primarily as the irreverent but dazzlingly witty playwright who penned The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde was also an able and farsighted critic. He was an early advocate of criticism as an independent branch of literature and stressed its vital role in the creative process. Scholars continue to debate many of Wilde’s critical positions. Included in Richard Ellmann’s impressive collection of Wilde’s criticism, The Artist as Critic, is a wide selection of Wilde’s book reviews as well as such famous longer works as The Portrait of Mr. W.H., The Soul Man under Socialism, and the four essays which make up Intentions. The Artist as Critic will satisfy any Wilde fan’s yearning for an essential reading of his critical work.

Wilde … emerges now as not only brilliant but also revolutionary, one of the great thinkers of dangerous thoughts.–Walter Allen, New York Times Book Review

The best of Wilde’s nonfictional prose can be found in The Artist as Critic.–Michael Dirda, Washington Post Book World