Wilde's 'trivial play for serious people' is a sparkling comedy of manners. This hilariously absurd satire pits sincerity against style, barbed witticisms against ostentatious elegance. Wilde's brilliantly constructed plot and famous dialogue enrich the appeal of his celebrated characters, as he turns accepted ideas inside out and situations upside down in this, his masterpiece.

The Student Edition offers a plot summary, full commentary, character notes and questions for study, besides a chronology and bibliography.