Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was a luminous figure of the Victorian era, distinguished for his wit, flamboyant style, and sparkling conversation. Educated at Trinity College, Dublin, and Magdalen College, Oxford, he excelled in classics, developing a philosophy of aestheticism, advocating for art's purpose to be solely beauty rather than didactic in nature. Wilde's literary career spanned various genres, including novel-writing, with 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' (1890) encapsulating his aesthetic ideals and societal critique. Notably, Wilde was a brilliant playwright, celebrated for works such as 'The Importance of Being Earnest' (1895) and 'An Ideal Husband' (1895), which brilliantly satirized the mores of his upper-class contemporaries with unparalleled eloquence and whimsy. Equally adept as an essayist, he produced 'The Soul of Man under Socialism' (1891) and 'De Profundis' (1905), which reflected his views on individualism and personal suffering, respectively. His collection of short stories, 'The Happy Prince and Other Tales' (1888), and his poetry, including 'The Ballad of Reading Gaol' (1898), showcased his versatility and depth. Oscar Wilde also contributed to literary criticism with his book 'Reviews' which compiled his evaluations of contemporary literature, further revealing his insightful and incisive critical prowess. Wilde's career was suddenly derailed due to a scandalous and highly public trial for his relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas, resulting in imprisonment and his eventual early death. Nonetheless, Oscar Wilde remains a towering figure in English literature, his legacy defined by his brilliant artistry and the tragic pathos of his life's final chapters.