Project Gutenberg 1997-04-01 Public domain in the USA. 1733 Wilde, Oscar 1854 1900 Wilde, Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Intentions Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Critic_as_Artist The decay of lying -- Pen, pencil, and poison -- The critic as artist: with some remarks upon the importance of doing nothing -- The critic as artist: with some remarks upon the importance of discussing everything -- The truth of masks. Transcribed from the 1913 Methuen and Co edition by David Price "Intentions" by Oscar Wilde is a collection of essays written in the late 19th century that delves into themes of art, morality, and aesthetics. The opening piece, "The Decay of Lying," is structured as a dialogue between two characters, Cyril and Vivian, who engage in a witty and philosophical examination of the nature of lying in art and literature. Wilde’s exploration indicates a belief in the transformative and essential role of art in society, while suggesting that modern realism diminishes creativity and beauty. The opening of "Intentions" presents a lively discussion between Cyril, who urges appreciation for nature, and Vivian, who dismisses it in favor of the comforts and creativity found indoors. Vivian argues that the decline of lying as an art form has led to the uninspired nature of contemporary literature, contending that art should reflect imagination rather than the mundane realities of life. Through sharp and humorous exchanges, Wilde sets the stage for a deeper critique of the societal values surrounding truth and beauty, ultimately championing the importance of artistic imagination over factual representation. This sets a thought-provoking tone for the essays that follow, inviting readers to reconsider their own understanding of art and its relationship with lies. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Reading ease score: 65.5 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read. en Authors, English -- 19th century -- Biography Authorship English drama Authors, English -- 19th century -- Drama Art critics -- Great Britain -- Biography Wainewright, Thomas Griffiths, 1794-1847 Poisoners -- Great Britain -- Biography PR Text Contemporary Reviews Category: Essays, Letters & Speeches Category: British Literature 382319 2025-08-01T07:41:46.675735 text/html 385930 2014-10-26T13:14:36 text/html 143554 2014-10-26T13:17:12 text/html application/zip 216758 2025-08-01T07:41:53.921714 application/epub+zip 220983 2025-08-01T07:41:49.645723 application/epub+zip 217436 2025-08-01T07:41:48.327740 application/epub+zip 367553 2025-08-01T07:41:57.059701 application/x-mobipocket-ebook 346131 2025-08-01T07:41:53.159712 application/x-mobipocket-ebook 313993 2022-09-01T08:35:56.493981 application/x-mobipocket-ebook 361164 2025-08-01T07:41:46.236774 text/plain; charset=us-ascii 361294 2014-10-26T13:14:30 text/plain; charset=utf-8 140506 2014-10-26T13:17:12 text/plain; charset=utf-8 application/zip 20866 2025-08-01T07:41:57.185686 application/rdf+xml 11302 2025-08-01T07:41:48.929720 image/jpeg 2951 2025-08-01T07:41:48.678744 image/jpeg 213152 2025-08-01T07:41:46.707746 application/octet-stream application/zip Archives containing the RDF files for *all* our books can be downloaded at https://book.klll.cc/wiki/Gutenberg:Feeds#The_Complete_Project_Gutenberg_Catalog en.wikipedia fr.wikipedia