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Essays and Lectures 🚩

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Title	Essays and Lectures
Author	Wilde, Oscar, 1854-1900
Release Date	Jan 1, 1997
Language	English
Original Publication
Credits
Gutenberg URL	https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/774

Summary

"Essays and Lectures" by Oscar Wilde is a collection of critical essays and public lectures that was likely written during the late 19th century. The work reflects Wilde's sharp wit and keen observations on a variety of topics, including art, criticism, and societal norms. The opening portion introduces his essay titled "The Rise of Historical Criticism," outlining the evolution of criticism as a reaction to authority and the development of democracy, philosophy, and science in thought. The opening of the collection discusses the nature and significance of historical criticism, emphasizing its connection to freedom of thought and the progression of society. Wilde argues that historical criticism is integral to understanding literature and culture, positioning it as a methodological approach that challenges traditional narratives. He explores various cultures, particularly focusing on the Greeks as pioneers of this critical spirit. The essay sets the stage for Wilde's broader examination of intellectual history and its implications for understanding human progress and artistic expression throughout the ages. (This is an automatically generated summary.)