A collection of essays by Oscar Wilde; 'The Decay of Lying: An Observation' (a Socratic dialogue between Vivian and Cyril, two characters named after his own sons); 'Pen, Pencil and Poison: A Study in Green'; 'The Critic as Artist' (deals with the nature of beauty, taste, and art); and, 'The Truth of Masks: A Note on Illusion'.