For Love of the King: A Burmese Masque by Oscar Wilde

Author: Oscar Wilde | Published: -

For Love of the King: A Burmese Masque Synopsis

The very interesting and richly coloured masque or pantomimic play which is here printed in book form for the first time, was invented sometime in 1894 or possibly a little earlier. It was written, not for publication, but as a personal gift to the author’s friend and friend of his family, Mrs. Chan Toon, and was sent to her with the letter that follows and explains its origin.

Mrs. Chan Toon, before her marriage to Mr. Chan Toon, a Burmese gentleman, nephew of the King of Burma and a barrister of the Middle Temple, was Miss p. ivMabel Cosgrove, the daughter of Mr. Ernest Cosgrove of Lancaster Gate, a friend of Sir William and Lady Wilde, and herself brought up with Oscar and his brother Willie.

For a long while Mrs. Chan Toon, who after her husband’s death became Mrs. Woodhouse-Pearse, refused to permit the masque to be printed. The late Robert Ross much wanted to include it in an edition of Wilde’s works, of which it now forms a part, but he could not obtain its owner’s consent. An arrangement, however, having been completed, the play is now made public.

About Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde was an iconic British playwright and poet renowned for his wit and creativity. Born in Dublin in 1854, Wilde developed a talent for writing from a young age. His works, which often feature themes of social class, morality and beauty are some of the most memorable pieces of literature from the Victorian era.

Wilde's body of work is vast and includes plays like An Ideal Husband and The Importance of Being Earnest as well as poems such as The Ballad Of Reading Gaol. He was also known for his sharp wit, often expressed through one-liners that still remain popular today. Among his most famous quotes are "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken" and "I can resist everything except temptation." Find out more about Oscar Wilde at sevenov.com.