A selection of Oscar Wilde's writings that underscore his notion that "Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life"

The Decay of Lying includes two of Wilde's most comprehensive --and witty-- explorations of his aesthetic philosophy: The Decay of Lying and The Critic as Artist.

Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives--and upended them. Now Penguin brings you a new set of the acclaimed Great Ideas, a curated library of selections from the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are.