Intentions

Intentions is a brilliant and provocative collection of essays in which Oscar Wilde articulates his most influential ideas on art, aesthetics, and criticism. First published in 1891, this landmark work reveals Wilde not only as a master storyteller and dramatist, but also as one of the sharpest and most original literary thinkers of the Victorian era. The book consists of four major essays—"The Decay of Lying," "Pen, Pencil and Poison," "The Critic as Artist," and "The Truth of Masks." Written in Wilde's signature style—witty, paradoxical, and elegantly ironic—these essays challenge conventional beliefs about art, morality, realism, and the role of the critic. Wilde argues boldly that art should not imitate life, but rather that life imitates art, and that beauty and imagination are far more important than factual accuracy or moral instruction. Through sparkling dialogue and incisive analysis, Wilde defends the philosophy of Aestheticism, asserting that art exists for its own sake. He elevates criticism to an art form in itself, celebrating subjective interpretation, intellectual freedom, and creative expression. At the same time, Wilde playfully dismantles Victorian seriousness, exposing the limitations of moralism and the dangers of rigid realism. Intentions is both intellectually stimulating and endlessly entertaining. Wilde's essays remain remarkably modern, anticipating many ideas central to contemporary literary theory, cultural criticism, and artistic discourse. His language is rich with epigrams and memorable observations that reward careful reading and reflection. Essential reading for students, scholars, and lovers of classic literature, Intentions offers a profound insight into Oscar Wilde's artistic philosophy and enduring legacy. It is a book that challenges readers to rethink the nature of art, truth, and beauty—and to embrace imagination as the highest form of reality.