Oscar Wilde, born Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde on October 16, 1854, in Dublin, Ireland, was a literary figure whose wit, flamboyant style, and brilliant conversation made him one of the most celebrated playwrights and novelists at the close of the Victorian Era. Educated at Trinity College, Dublin, and Magdalen College, Oxford, Wilde quickly developed a reputation as a leader of the aesthetic movement, urging the importance of art for art's sake. His only novel, 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' (1890), is a gothic tale of moral degradation and is a classic example of his pursuit of beauty in art regardless of moral boundaries. Wilde's genius is most commonly celebrated in his plays, such as 'The Importance of Being Earnest' (1895) and 'An Ideal Husband' (1895), which are still widely performed for their scathing social commentary and sparkling dialogue. However, the title 'Out & Proud: Gay Classics Collection' seems to be an anachronistic reference, as it does not correspond with Wilde's contemporaneous publications and may represent a modern compilation of texts resonant with LGBTQ+ themes. Regardless, Wilde's own sexuality became a focus of his biography after his public trial for 'gross indecency.' His imprisonment from 1895 to 1897 marks a solemn period in which he composed 'De Profundis,' a profound reflection on suffering and redemption. Wilde's legacy includes not only his literary contributions but also his embodiment of the complexities of living one's truth in a repressive society.