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Cover of The Importance of Being Earnest
Literary Fiction· Ireland

The Importance of Being Earnest

by Oscar Wilde
Aggregate Editorial Score40/100
#348of 99,626 books
Kirkus Reviews
Published 1893English
Buy on Amazon →

About This Book

Few works of literary fiction have earned the sustained critical attention that The Importance of Being Earnest (1893) by Oscar Wilde continues to receive. The Importance of Being Earnest (1893) establishes Oscar Wilde as a significant voice in literary fiction, weaving together themes of identity, memory, and transformation.

Book Details

AuthorOscar Wilde
Published1893
Country of Origin🇮🇪 Ireland
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
Editorial Score40/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇮🇪 Ireland

This book is part of Ireland's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Ireland →

Editorial Assessment

Oscar Wilde published The Importance of Being Earnest in 1893, 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. With an editorial score of 40/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. Readers coming to The Importance of Being Earnest 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. The Importance of Being Earnest reflects Oscar Wilde's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Ireland's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
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.

Awards & Recognition

Kirkus Reviews
notable · national
189340
✍️
About the Author
Oscar Wilde
Ireland
View Author →

Oscar Wilde is a Ireland author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Importance of Being Earnest about?

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde is a celebrated work of literary fiction published in 1893. It is widely regarded as an important contribution to its genre, exploring themes that resonate with readers across generations.

Who wrote The Importance of Being Earnest?

The Importance of Being Earnest was written by Oscar Wilde, first published in 1893. Oscar Wilde is recognized as a significant author in the field of literary fiction.

When was The Importance of Being Earnest published?

The Importance of Being Earnest was first published in 1893. It has since become a well-regarded work in the literary fiction genre, read by audiences around the world.

Where can I buy The Importance of Being Earnest?

You can buy The Importance of Being Earnest on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Importance of Being Earnest?

The Importance of Being Earnest is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Importance of Being Earnest from?

The Importance of Being Earnest originates from Ireland's literary tradition. Explore more books from Ireland on our country page.

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