Oscar Wilde

oscar wilde. book gifts

Oscar Wilde, born in 1854, was an Irish playwright, poet, and author, renowned for his wit, style, and sharp social commentary. Wilde’s works often explore themes of beauty, decadence, and the contradictions within society. His most famous plays, such as The Importance of Being Earnest, An Ideal Husband, and Lady Windermere’s Fan, are celebrated for their clever dialogue, satirical humour, and critiques of Victorian society's morals and conventions. Wilde’s novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, is a dark exploration of vanity, excess, and the pursuit of pleasure in the Gothic fiction canon. Known for his epigrams and brilliant one-liners, Wilde’s writing reflects his belief in the power of art and beauty as well as his disdain for the rigid social norms of his time. Wilde remains a literary icon whose work continues to captivate and provoke discussion for its wit, wisdom, and biting social critique.

Indulge in the wit and elegance of Oscar Wilde with these book wax melts. Made from eco-friendly rapeseed and coconut wax, these hand-poured melts offer a long-lasting, captivating fragrance perfect for book gifts. Inspired by Wilde’s sharp wit and timeless charm, these wax melts bring an air of sophistication to any space. Ideal for adding a touch of literary class to your home, they provide a clean, even burn while enhancing your reading experience. Perfect book gift for literary lovers. 

The Oscar Wilde collection

We take the time to craft our exclusive custom products with carefully designed moulds for our lit lovers. We use a rapeseed and coconut wax blend to enhance our sustainability and scent throw and all of our wax products are made with only the highest quality, cruelty-free fragrance oils and mica powders that are obtained from pure natural minerals and ores to give a beautiful shimmer. You can read more about our ingredients on our wax melt products.

Oscar Wilde Facts and FAQs

Who was Oscar Wilde?

Oscar Wilde was a 19th-century Irish playwright, poet, and novelist known for his wit, flamboyant style, and sharp social satire. Born in 1854, he became one of the most celebrated literary figures of the Victorian era, particularly for his plays and his only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. Wilde’s writing often challenged social norms while celebrating beauty, intellect, and individualism.

When was Oscar Wilde born?

Wilde was born on October 16, 1854, in Dublin, Ireland. His mother was a poet and political activist, and his father was a prominent surgeon. He studied at Trinity College Dublin and later at Oxford, where he gained a reputation for brilliance, eccentricity, and a commitment to the Aesthetic movement — the belief in 'art for art’s sake.'

Where did Oscar Wilde live?

Wilde lived in both Ireland and England, as well as spending time in Paris and various parts of Europe. He rose to fame in London literary and theatrical circles, where he became known not only for his work but for his dazzling conversation and striking appearance. He also spent two years in prison and later lived in self-imposed exile in France.

How did Oscar Wilde die?

Oscar Wilde died on November 30, 1900, in Paris at the age of 46. After serving two years in prison for 'gross indecency' due to his homosexuality, his health declined and he lived his final years in poverty and relative obscurity. He died of meningitis and is buried in Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris — his tomb now a site of literary pilgrimage.

What is Oscar Wilde famous for?

Wilde is most famous for his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray and his stage comedies, including The Importance of Being Earnest, An Ideal Husband, and Lady Windermere’s Fan. His works critique Victorian hypocrisy and celebrate wit, irony, and the complexity of human desire. He remains one of the most quotable writers in English literature.

Is Oscar Wilde’s work in the public domain?

Yes. All of Oscar Wilde’s works are in the public domain, allowing his plays, poems, essays, and novels to be freely quoted, adapted, and celebrated in creative works. His writing is regularly republished and reinterpreted in theatre, film, and literary gifts around the world.

What are some famous quotes by Oscar Wilde?

Oscar Wilde was known for his brilliant one-liners and epigrams. Some of his most famous quotes include:
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.”
“The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.”
These lines reflect his wit, defiance, and philosophical charm.

Do you sell Oscar Wilde-themed gifts?

Yes! Our Oscar Wilde collection features wax melts and bookmarks inspired by his most iconic works and quotes. Whether you're drawn to the aesthetic decadence of The Picture of Dorian Gray or the clever social satire of his plays, our hand-poured items are perfect for Wilde devotees and lovers of literary style.

Where is Oscar Wilde buried?

Oscar Wilde is buried in Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, one of the most visited graves in the world. His tomb features a modernist angel sculpture by Jacob Epstein and was once famously covered in lipstick marks from admirers — a tradition now discouraged to preserve the stone. The site remains a major destination for literary pilgrims.

What inspired Oscar Wilde’s writing?

Wilde was inspired by classical literature, French Decadent writers, aesthetic philosophy, and the contradictions of Victorian society. He believed in beauty, pleasure, and the importance of style — but also explored the darker sides of desire, repression, and identity. His own experiences with fame, scandal, and punishment deeply shaped his later works.

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