Intentions
Intentions, published in 1891, collects the four critical essays in which Oscar Wilde set out his theory of art. The Decay of Lying, a dialogue in a country house library, argues that art does not imitate life but life imitates art, and that the proper aim of art is the telling of beautiful untrue things. Pen, Pencil and Poison is a study of the forger and poisoner Thomas Griffiths Wainewright as an artist. The Critic as Artist, the longest piece, claims that criticism is itself a creative act and the highest form of culture. The Truth of Masks examines costume in Shakespeare. The essays are among the most entertaining criticism in English and the clearest statement of aesthetic ideas. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about Intentions
Intentions by Oscar Wilde can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read Intentions online?
Yes. Intentions opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is Intentions free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of Intentions is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is Intentions in the public domain?
Yes. Intentions by Oscar Wilde is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read Intentions?
About 3 h 54 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is Intentions?
Intentions by Oscar Wilde is filed under "Drama" in the Vinteuil library.
