Description
Oscar Wilde's seminal essay, "The Decay of Lying," boldly challenges the prevailing artistic and literary conventions of his time, championing the principles of Aestheticism over the strictures of Realism. Through a captivating dialogue, the essay argues that art's true purpose lies not in mimicking reality, but in its capacity to enchant, delight, and elevate the human spirit. Wilde posits that the art of "lying"—of imaginative creation and beautiful falsehood—is not a corruption but the very foundation of civilization and artistic expression. This provocative work invites readers to reconsider the relationship between art, truth, and beauty, celebrating the transformative power of imagination.
Available Editions
paperback
Penguin Books, Limited
Published Jan 1, 2020
128 pages
ISBN: 9780241472453
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Details
First Published
1889
Language
eng
Content Warnings
No content warnings identified.