An Ideal Husband

About the Category

Country of Origin

Oscar Wilde published An Ideal Husband in 1899, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of literary fiction from Ireland. The book's treatment of the human condition accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed An Ideal Husband among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 45/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. Readers coming to An Ideal Husband for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of the human condition is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. Within Ireland's literary landscape, Oscar Wilde occupies a significant position. An Ideal Husband is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.

About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.