The Importance of Being Earnest (Broadview Editions)

Oscar Wilde must have been quite the character in his day. This play about mistaken identity is not only laugh out loud funny but cutting at the same time. He skewers the upper class with his observations about their behaviour. No wonder it has been done in countless theaters over the years and been made into at least one film that I can think of.

The relationships in the importance of being earnest build quickly for the reader, and make for a very enjoyable read. The back and forth between Jack and Algernon are especially funny. Great classic read.

Oscar Wilde must have been quite the character in his day. This play about mistaken identity is not only laugh out loud funny but cutting at the same time. He skewers the upper class with his observations about their behaviour. No wonder it has been done in countless theaters over the years and been made into at least one film that I can think of.

The relationships in the importance of being earnest build quickly for the reader, and make for a very enjoyable read. The back and forth between Jack and Algernon are especially funny. Great classic read.

This 54-page version does not include the lobster scene, which I saw in an excellent production recently, and would love to read. My book club is gong to discuss this play, and I'm tempted to go through and underline every epigram, just for fun. I wish life was more like this play! If you've never read it, you're in for a treat!

I did not realize I had seen this movie, which is very good. So watch it, but read the book first. It's a silly, cute movie. The book is very good also.. go figure... Ernest in the county or who's his name in the city. I do like him in the country. And the city. Maybe men in the city need to go to the country. You pick'...

The senior play when I was in high school was "The Importance of Being Ernest." I worked behind the stage and had never read the book/play. If you would like to improve your use of English as a language, you must read this. Oscar Wilde certainly had a way with the language. I plan to read it again, perhaps out loud.

Oscar Wilde was so impressed with his own perceived brilliance that he endeavors to demonstrate this brilliance in every sentence. Unfortunately saying something stupid is often interpreted as non-conformity once a reputation for cleverness has been achieved. I think the emperor is naked but people write PhD theses on his clothes.

This play is so silly I was unable to finish it. Netflix keeps recommending it to me and, after starting the book, I can't see why. It is a look at the wealthy, with nothing but time on their hand, being nothing but idle and silly.

I was very hesitant to read as required for Composition and Literature class because I hate drama/playwrights. I was in for a real surprise! This piece of literature was strange, goofy, filled with irony and puns. There is a lot that a reader can take from this piece.

One of my favorite reads. If you are into literature and want to enjoy something in one sitting - this is for you. If you or someone you love is into humour and poetry and can handle something a hundred years old - I highly recommend it.

first, i didn't realize that it was a play i'd be reading. I found that a bit boring and the storyline boring. i read half way through
it and never even finished the book. Guess it just wasn't my "cup of tea". Sorry

The book is in absolutely excellent shape. I can't remember if it was advertised as new or very good shape, but it was like new. No musty smell. Great font. Stiff book. Perfect cover. Couldn't ask for anything more.

Just wanted to read this acclaimed play. It was not as interesting as I thought it would be to read. However, it is considered a classical piee of work , and I want to read a lot of classical pieces in lieu of much of the prpesent works, which may or may not be very worthwhile, but, in any event have not yet stood the test of time

I was very hesitant to read as required for Composition and Literature class because I hate drama/playwrights. I was in for a real surprise! This piece of literature was strange, goofy, filled with irony and puns. There is a lot that a reader can take from this piece.

One of my favorite reads. If you are into literature and want to enjoy something in one sitting - this is for you. If you or someone you love is into humour and poetry and can handle something a hundred years old - I highly recommend it.

first, i didn't realize that it was a play i'd be reading. I found that a bit boring and the storyline boring. i read half way through
it and never even finished the book. Guess it just wasn't my "cup of tea". Sorry

The book is in absolutely excellent shape. I can't remember if it was advertised as new or very good shape, but it was like new. No musty smell. Great font. Stiff book. Perfect cover. Couldn't ask for anything more.

This play is a wickedly funny comedy about victoran bachelors Algernon Moncrieff and Ernest Worthing. The two friends could not be more different with one determined not to take life too seriously and the other determined to get engaged and keep secret a fact that would ruin his position in society.

This play reminded me why I love Oscar Wilde. He is sarcastic, witty and hilarious. He cleverly pokes fun at the absurd realities of Victorian life to show how superficial its foundation was but he does this without being self-righteous.

It really is a testament to Wilde's talent that his sense of humour is still entertaining to an audience so different from the one the play was intended for. My only complaint is that the play was much too short!

This play is hilarious, witty, brilliant, charming, salacious, and utterly unregenerate -- in short, Wildean.

I would refuse, on general principle, to talk with anyone who did not feel the same.

This short play is so very funny because it is so well written and right on regarding human behavior. The movie with Colin Firth, Reese Witherspoon and Judi Dench is a must own to watch over and over.

I love this play! My teen is performing it soon! However, we were disappointed that the version we were sent was not an exact match to the picture shown. This has made it harder for her to practice lines, etc. since everyone else's copy had different page numbers for the scene they were working on.

One reviewer complained that the story is 'fluff'. It is also completely implausible. It reminded me of the Marx brothers. I found it thoroughly entertaining and humorous. It's a pretty quick read. Of course, the characters are dated, but that also adds to the fun if you like that kind of stuff. The english is a little challenging so you also get a little brain exercise.

Was just in Paris visiting Wilde's grave, which also inspired me to buy his finest creation.

This book is a perfect example of how people in society potray themselves as dignified individuals while keeping the realization that they play an important role in society. They adjust themselves to fit their own standards, and live up to their character and gender roles of their class and time.