A Critic in Pall Mall: Being Extracts from Reviews and Miscellanies

by Oscar Wilde

"A Critic in Pall Mall: Being Extracts from Reviews and Miscellanies" by Oscar Wilde is a collection of essays and critiques written during the late 19th century. This work showcases Wilde's sharp wit and keen intellect as he explores various themes including literature, art, and culture through a series of reviews and personal reflections. The collection provides insight into Wilde's thoughts on notable literary figures such as John Keats, as well as broader artistic and philosophical topics. The opening portion of the text begins with a touching tribute to John Keats, situated by his tomb in Rome, reflecting Wilde's admiration for the poet and the beauty of his resting place. Wilde describes the surroundings and Keats’s profound relevance to English literature, poignantly discussing the brevity of Keats's life and the legacy he left behind. Following this, the narrative transitions into Wilde's subsequent thoughts on Keats's work, interspersed with autobiographical details from Wilde’s encounters with Keats's family. This sets the tone for the collection, combining personal narrative with critical analysis and poetic appreciation. Overall, the beginning reveals Wilde's eloquence and depth of feeling, ensuring readers are drawn into the beauty and tragedy of art and literature.