The Importance of Being Earnest

The play features a sharp social satire that explores the theme of identity and the quest for authenticity amidst societal hypocrisy. With memorable characters delivering Wilde's famous epigrams, it remains a timeless comedy that questions the nature of respectability and happiness. This edition enriches the experience with a timeline of Wilde's life and an insightful afterword by Ulrich Baer, highlighting the play's enduring relevance and major themes, complemented by commentary from notable figures like George Bernard Shaw and Mary McCarthy.