Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin in 1854. A brilliant poet, playwright, and wit, Wilde was a phenomenon in 19th century England, advocating the importance of style in life and art. Wilde studied at Oxford University then left for America where his flamboyant personality and air of sophistication and eccentricity caused a media sensation. He was immortalised by the stories he wrote for children such as The Happy Prince and his supernatural masterpiece, The Picture of Dorian Gray.