Editorial Review:
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Oscar Wilde's brilliant play makes fun of the English upper classes with light-hearted satire and dazzling humour. It is 1890's England and two young gentlemen are being somewhat limited with the truth. To inject some excitement into their lives, Mr Worthing invents a brother, Earnest, as an excuse to leave his dull country life behind him to pursue the object of his desire, the ravishing Gwendolyn. While across town Algernon Montecrieff decides to take the name Earnest, when visiting Worthing's young ward Cecily. The real fun and confusion begins when the two end up together and their deceptions are in danger of being revealed.
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Reader Reviews for The Importance of Being Earnest:
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Customer Rating:  
Summary: ...
Comment: I read this on my 100 classic book collection for Nintedo DS because it ranked ad 'the funniest book' well I'm sorry but I didn't laugh once. The girls in the play were annoying and the only likeable character is Jack. I'm not a big fan of plays at the best of times but reading this has made sure I don't pick up another one in a while.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Classic Wit
Comment: Oscar Wilde's last and best-known play is a classic comedy complete with mistaken identities, biting satire, and a fair amount of punning (including a crucial pun in the title). This is Wilde at his irreverent best as he repeatedly skewers as many aspects of late 19th Century English society as he can manage.
I've occasionally heard the term "joke density" applied to comedy writing, and The Importance of Being Ernest certainly has that. Every character in the play is witty, and the jabs, barbs, and puns come fast and furious.
The story centers on two somewhat roguish young bachelors who have both created elaborate lies to help them to cover for their mischief. At different points in the play, both gentlemen have assumed the false name of Ernest, which becomes a problem once two women become involved. Two women who are both particularly enamored with the idea of marrying someone named Ernest.
The tightly plotted play has enough twists and turns to keep things interesting, and the witty dialogue never lets up.
The Avon (a HarperCollins imprint) paperback edition that I read contained a short collection of critical essays, the most interesting being a (mostly negative) review by George Bernard Shaw of the original production of the play, which raises some interesting points about the nature of comedy. I found some good insights into the career of Oscar Wilde in the introduction and the other critical pieces, but those familiar with his life and work would not be missing much by skipping these "bonus features".
The play itself was a really enjoyable work to read, and I'll keep an eye out for a chance to catch a performance of it sometime.
Customer Rating:
Summary: General Books Problem...Not the book
Comment: I ordered this for my daughters birthday and Amazon delivered right on her birthday. My daughter is a huge Oscar Wilde fan! Unfortunately, the book was full of garbage text. It was printed by General Books the day I ordered it. I then requested a replacement. Once again, it was printed the day I made my request and it contained the exact garbage text that the original order contained. Here is an example of the garbage text that this book contained...(Jk*he$. HeL*) This was all throughout the book. Then half the book looked like some bizarre glossary that didn't even belong to this book. The entire book was worthless both times and I requested a refund. I can't give a proper review on the book as it was unreadable!
Customer Rating:
Summary: A charming edition!
Comment: you know the story, but this is just a review to say I really liked the cover too, and this is a charming edition, enjoy the laughter!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Downright hysterical
Comment: There are little things I can say without just linking to the masterpiece itself on Project Gutenburg. It's cheap, it's public domain, and it's funny as hell. Its satire, wit, and constant pace is beyond comparison. If you want a short but amusing read, look no further - Oscar Wilde is beyond brilliant.
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