An Ideal Husband (Paperback)

An Ideal Husband is an 1895 comedic stage play by Oscar Wilde which revolves around blackmail and political corruption, and touches on the themes of public and private honor. The action is set in London, in "the present," and takes place over the course of twenty four hours. Oscar Wilde began writing "An Ideal Husband" in 1893, and completed it later that winter. At this point in his career he was accustomed to success, and in writing "An Ideal Husband" he wanted to ensure himself public fame. His work began at Goring-on-Thames, after which he named the character Lord Goring, and concluded at St. James Place. Oscar Wilde initially sent the completed script for "An Ideal Husband" to the Garrick Theatre, where the manager rejected it, but it was soon accepted by the Haymarket Theatre, where Lewis Waller had temporarily taken control. Waller was an excellent actor and cast himself as Sir Robert Chiltern. The play gave the Haymarket the success it desperately needed. After opening on January 3, 1895, "An Ideal Husband" continued for 124 performances.