List of 15 authors like Oscar Wilde
If you enjoy the writings of Oscar Wilde, with his wit, aestheticism, and satirical edge, you might appreciate the following authors, who offer similar elements in their own unique styles:
1
Jane Austen - Known for her sharp wit and keen social commentary, Austen's work shares some similarities with Wilde’s in its examination of social manners and relationships.
2
George Bernard Shaw - A playwright and critic whose work often includes social criticism and sharp humour, akin to Wilde’s style.
3
Virginia Woolf - Woolf's modernist works delve into the complexities of human psychology and society, with an attention to language that can appeal to fans of Wilde.
4
Evelyn Waugh - Waugh’s satirical novels, which lampoon the British aristocracy and high society, may resonate with those who appreciate Wilde’s societal critiques.
5
Edith Wharton - Edith Wharton was an American author who wrote sharply observant novels about social life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Like Oscar Wilde, she used her wit to critique the norms and morals of her society, especially within the upper classes.
6
Henry James - Henry James was an American writer who crafted intricate novels and short stories, focusing on themes of consciousness and morality. His work, like “The Portrait of a Lady” and “The Turn of the Screw,” offers a detailed psychological depth, similar to the character complexity found in Oscar Wilde's writing.
7
Mark Twain - Twain's sense of humor and social satire could appeal to those who like Wilde’s writing.
8
Jonathan Swift - His satirical prose, especially in works like “Gulliver's Travels,” reflects a disdain for human pomposity and folly.
9
Saki (H.H. Munro) - Known for his witty, sometimes macabre stories that satirize Edwardian society and culture.
10
Dorothy Parker - Dorothy Parker was a sharp-witted American writer famous for her biting humor and insightful prose. If you appreciate the clever storytelling of Oscar Wilde, you might find Parker's short stories and satirical poems equally engaging.
11
Noël Coward - His plays and musicals feature a quick, polished wit and a probing look into upper-class society, similar to Wilde's plays.
12
P.G. Wodehouse - While more light-hearted, Wodehouse’s satirical depictions of the English upper-class and his droll humor are something a Wilde fan might enjoy.
13
Tom Stoppard - Tom Stoppard is a playwright whose clever use of language and witty dialogue often draw comparison to Oscar Wilde's work. If you appreciate the humor and sharp social observations in Wilde's novels, you might find Stoppard's plays like "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" similarly engaging.
14
F. Scott Fitzgerald - Fitzgerald’s critique of the American Dream and his exploration of class and society in the Jazz Age might speak to the Wildean reader.
15
Kingsley Amis - His satirical outlook, particularly in novels like “Lucky Jim,” shares a smart comedic touch that Wilde aficionados might appreciate.
Remember, each of these authors has a unique style, and while they share some qualities with Wilde, their individual approaches to themes, humor, and society will provide a fresh yet relatable reading experience.