This study of Oscar Wilde presents him as the central, catalytic figure who linked together the artistic cities of London and Paris in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. The book discusses Wilde's many talents and looks at the contribution he made to the artistic and cultural movements of his age. The text also covers the other aspects of Wilde's work for which he was less well known, these include his work as an art critic, journalist and progressive political thinker. The book is an accompaniment to an exhibition at the Barbican Art Gallery which commemorates the centenary of Wilde's death.