Impressions of America by Oscar Wilde

Author: Oscar Wilde | Published: -

Impressions of America Synopsis

Excerpt from Impressions of America

I fear I cannot picture America as altogether an Elysium—perhaps, from the ordinary standpoint I know but little about the country. I cannot give its latitude or longitude; I cannot compute the value of its dry goods, and I have no very close acquaintance with its politics. These are matters which may not interest you, and they certainly are not interesting to me.

The first thing that struck me on landing in America was that if the Americans are not the most well-dressed people in the world, they are the most comfortably dressed. Men are seen there with the dreadful chimney-pot hat, but there are very few hatless men; men wear the shocking swallow-tail coat, but few are to be seen with no coat at all. There is an air of comfort in the appearance of the people which is a marked contrast to that seen in this country, where, too often, people are seen in close contact with rags.

About Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde was a renowned Irish poet, playwright and novelist during the 19th century. He is remembered for his sharp wit, sophisticated writing style, and his works of literature that satirized Victorian England.

Born in Dublin on October 16th 1854 to Sir William Wilde and Lady Jane Francesca Wilde, Oscar attended Trinity College before moving to London where he began writing plays. His most famous works of prose include The Picture of Dorian Gray as well as Lady Windermere’s Fan and An Ideal Husband. These novels were highly praised for their clever dialogue which highlighted the hypocrisies of English society at the time.

Wilde was also known for his eccentric personality and bold sense of style, often wearing colorful clothing or velvet jackets with long scarves tied around them. Find out more about Oscar Wilde at sevenov.com.