Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) remains one of the most iconic and enigmatic figures in English literature, known for his witticisms, flamboyant style, and a literary career that was both brilliant and controversial. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Wilde excelled in classics at Trinity College and later at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he firmly established his reputation as a scholar and aesthete. His literary contributions span across various genres, including essays, plays, and fiction, with notable works such as 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' and 'The Importance of Being Earnest'. Wilde's writing is marked by its biting social commentary, exploration of aestheticism, and challenge to Victorian norms. His collection, 'Selected Poems of Oscar Wilde', showcases his foray into poetry, exhibiting his varied stylistic approaches, from early influences of Romanticism to later inclinations towards Decadence and Symbolism. Despite his professional success, Wilde suffered a dramatic downfall after his conviction for 'gross indecency' due to his homosexuality, which was then illegal. He spent two years in prison, an experience that profoundly impacted his later writings. After his release, he spent his remaining years in isolation and financial difficulty in France. Wilde's legacy is defined not only by his vibrant literary output but also by his advocacy for individualism and the tragedy that befell him due to the restrictive social mores of his time.