Oscar Wilde by Richard Ellmann is an acclaimed literary biography of Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde (1854–1900) — the Irish playwright, poet, novelist and wit known for works such as The Importance of Being Earnest and The Picture of Dorian Gray. Ellmann’s biography examines Wilde’s genius, personality, social flamboyance, trials and tragic downfall, placing him within the rich cultural and literary context of the Victorian era. Filled with insightful analysis, extensive archival research, and illustrations/plates, this work is regarded as one of the definitive and most comprehensive biographies of Wilde, appreciated by scholars and general readers alike.