Wilde Books

I found this book to be extremely helpful both for my own fearful dog, and for my clients. It is very comprehensive, covering many types of fear and fearful situations that someone may encounter with their dog. Many of the topics she covers I have not seen covered in other books out there.

Even if your dog only has slight fear issues or none at all, this book will be very helpful. The techniques Nicole goes over in her book are also useful in helping prevent your dog from becoming fearful.

I appreciate Nicole's sensitivity and compassion for the fearful dog and attention to safety for the people and the dog involved. Her approach is modern, very dog friendly and safe for everyone in the family to do. In all her exercises, she stresses to go slow and at the dog's pace. She emphasizes that the goal is not to force the dog to do something, but to teach him to accept, or even enjoy, through a systematic positive association,some of the weird and scary things (from the dog's point of view) that we humans do to our dogs.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in helping fearful dogs, or helping dogs to not become fearful in the first place. I think all pet owners, dog trainers, pet sitters, dog walkers, groomers, veterinarians, vet techs and anyone who interacts with dogs should read this book.

The other reviews gave me such high hopes about this book and maybe my expectations were too high to be honest but I'm not overly impressed so far. There's nothing really wrong with the book but it covers so many subjects that I felt details were skipped that should have been included and still I'm going to struggle to help my dog. The chapters that refer to particular fears are too short and are less about helping to correct the problem than they are about the background to the problem itself. Also the book says it can be read cover to cover or simply used as a reference book by users skipping to relevant chapters. That is not so. Really you need to properly read the first few sections before you skip to the section about your particular problem. Really it's no trouble to read around the subject but why does the book claim to be able to be used in this way??

On the other hand I think her advice is solid and there is certainly useful information in there, particularly if this is the first time you've even thought about trying to help your dog in this way!! I'm absolutely going to give it a go but I wish I had a little more guidance from the book that i purposely bought to offer myself guidance. In this review I want to point out the bad things about the book rather than list all the good things and there are already so many excellent reviews!!

On a side note, I was unimpressed with the author's habit of subtly (you probably won't notice it unless you've read the books by the authors that's she's doubting) belittling other noted dog experts within the book. This was unnecessary and a little petty. Surely most of the people she indirectly belittled are doing good work too and so if Wilde and the other authors are all striving for the same goals, only doing so in different ways, then surely mocking their theories only serves to taint the industry a little bit more.

I wish I had this book years ago, when I adopted my own fearful dog! While it's a bit more easy to guide someone else through the process of rehabilitating a fear-bound hound, taking one on in your own life is a completely different story. As I read this book for the first time, I frequently stopped to wonder how easy my little journey from 6 years early would have been so much easier had there been a book like this to walk me through.

I don't hesitate to recommend "Help For Your Fearful Dog" to my clients who need it and use it as a guideline for helping them work through their program. Just like Nicole to see exactly what's needed, and make it available.

As the "mom" to two fearful rescues - both very different in their fear triggers and how they manifest it, I searched out and found quite a few articles, pamphlets, websites, suggestions, online groups, and a even few other books on the subject, but nothing nearly as comprehensive as the information presented in Ms. Wilde's book. It tackles the issue from nose to tail, giving helpful insights to a myriad of specific fears and how to desensitize a fearful dog to them. For instance, one of my dogs is very wary of anyone else touching her besides me. I have purchased and read every book on shy dogs that I could find to learn how to work through this. Help for Your Fearful Dogs not only covered this topic more thoroughly than any other text I've seen, but offered not one but several step-by-step protocols that were easily understood and simple to do. As a result, my dog is beginning to trust others to touch and even pet her. Further, the book is very easy to read and understand. It is broken up into short chapters that can be read when you don't have a lot of time (or if you simply want to take things slowly and digest the information in smaller bites). If you own a fearful dog, foster or volunteer for a rescue or shelter, or even know someone with a shy pooch, this is the best book you'll ever come across to get the tools (and reassurance!) that you seek!

I have 2 fearful dogs and this book is very helpful. This is an excellent book.

If you're just getting started in the dog training world, this book is for you. It covers what it's really like to work with people and their dogs, getting your education, advertising, all sorts of tips and sample forms. If you're trying to decide whether dog training is for you, get this book. I'm glad I did!

Love this book! I wasnt sure if I was taking the right path to becoming a dog trainer, but utilizing the resources in this book, I feel confident in my decisions. Very informative and realistic.

Excellent resource for trainers or those considering the field. Chock full of tips, guidelines and ethics. Extremely helpful in devising your business plan. You don't realize how many things you didn't think of until you read this book!

I was really excited to read this book. I kept a note pad by me to jot down all the great ideas that the book gives! Great info on starting your own business

This is an excellent source, full of useful advice on the ins and outs of putting together a dog training business. It does not go into training techniques, so you'll definitely need other books on methodology along with this one, which is strictly business. I think she's a bit conservative in her advice, which is probably necessary to publish and avoid liability. However, it can be a little discouraging to think that ALL OF THAT is necessary - just realize, it may not be. But it certainly has EVERYTHING you need!

A MUST HAVE for anyone who owns a wolfdog! After purchasing a puppy (Rocko) not knowing that it was a wolf dog I immediately jumped online and ordered this book through Amazon. I turn to the books often as a resource and have read it cover-to-cover - - twice. I know my family and Rocko owe this author much thanks!

a must have before buying a wolfdog puppy, you will not make it with your puppy if you dont buy this book. loved it.
philippe

"Nicole Wilde, has done it again. She has added new information and guidelines to her already by far, the best book on Living with Wolfdogs. This is a must read for anyone who loves and cares for these magnificant animals. Thank you Nicole"
Michelle Silmon, Founder, Grandmother's Rescue Center, California

Nichole's book can be considered the ultimate primer for those interested in keeping wolfdogs, or even for those who are just interested in these unique animals. This book, and Nichole's other book, "Wolfdogs, A to Z" should be required reading for animal trainers, behaviorists and veterinary professionals. Mike Lehane, Vice President, Wolfdog Rescue Resources, Inc.

There is not a lot of information available on wolf hybrids, and it seems a lot of what is out there is biased either to suggest that they are great pets for anyone, or
that they are evil creatures who should be banned or euthanized. Wilde's book gives straightforward, helpful information without a bias, although you can tell that she loves these animals. She goes over things you should consider before buying a wolf hybrid like containment, commitment of time and money, and legalities in your area. She gives helpful concrete information like how to build an "escape-proof" pen, how to introduce a new member to your existing pack, nutritional requirements, veterinary consideraitons, and so many other things that you will find yourself referring back to. The book is also written in a friendly tone and is quite humorous in places. I highly recommend it, along with her other wolf hybrid book "Wolfdogs A-Z: Behavior, Training and More."

a most wonderful and pleasant reading throughout...i borrowed the book from the library first and while reading it decided that i have to have a copy near me so that i can pick it up any time i want. the only slight is that the dust jecket has a different photo of the author, the one on the older edition is much better. a great book.

This book has it all. If you are an Oscar fan, than it is a must for your collection.

I'm very pleased with the book. All of Wilde's wit is right there at my fingertips. It's a handsome book, too. Thank you.

This particular compilation is not only complete, but is a well printed, well packaged addition to the books you would want in your top 10!

Though the print is small for those of us over 40, it's worth it - if not, it would weigh about 10 pounds! As it is, it's a tome, but worth reading, and re-reading time and again. It has everything - everything! - that you'll ever hear mentioned - his stories, his novels, his essay's.
It would make a great gift for a young writer, as well.

I couldn't believe the depths Ellmann takes the reader in his biography of Oscar Wilde. Everything; every aspect of Wilde's life is thoroughly explored. The best single word review of this book would be just that; thorough.

On the other hand, the text is very dry at times, and you may find yourself frusterated. It always seems that, too often, biographies fall victim of the "dry writer."

Just as to know James Joyce, discover his daughter, the spark of his own genius.

Lady Wilde was a writer and Irish revolutionary who raised her son to infiltrate the highest ranks of the empire and expose their foibles, faults, cruelties and hidden shames, which he so fully did through his theatre work and other writings. He was investigating the widespread homosexuality of the British aristocracy when he was arested for his prying and blamed for that which he himself investigated and reported. He was silenced through breaking imprisonment (read his post-prison poetry, and the uneven yet revelatory De Profundis written from prison) which debilitated, discouraged and killed him a few short years after his release.

TO know Wilde, know his mother: Speranza, Lady Wilde, whose wonderful works of Irish history and legends are now available on amazon.com only in Spanish translation. Several good biographies are also available at unattainable price.

Know alos his son. Wilde was a loving family man who wrote wonderful bedtime stories for his own beloved children. What broke him in prison was losing them, as he writes in De Profundis.

Ellman's is a fine biography. Find out far more about Wilde than the popular and shallow slander urgently promoted by the Empire

Imagine the challenges facing a Wilde biographer: the contradictions of an outrageous, larger-than-life subject whose brittle public persona masked his inner torments; Wilde's enormous drive, which led to success and acclaim, but also set in motion his ultimate fall from grace. Worse: so much already written, including Wilde's own glittering one-liners - what could anyone presume to add to the already crowded record?

Professor Ellmann, who worked for almost twenty years on this book, doesn't fail to deliver. In what will clearly be the definitive biography, he lays out details of Wilde's life, illuminates the work, and cuts through the brilliant and brittle public persona to show us Wilde's soul. All of this is accomplished with wit, intelligence and compassion -- this book confirmed Ellmann's status as the English professor I always wished I'd had. Professor Ellmann doesn't make a single misstep in this astonishing biography.

His final assessment of Wilde:

"He belongs to our world more than to Victoria's. Now, beyond the reach of scandal, his best writings validated by time, he comes before us still, a towering figure, laughing and weeping, with parables and paradoxes, so generous, so amusing, and so right."

If I may be forgiven a paraphrase of Ellmann's own words, this biography is also "generous, amusing, and so right."

I remember reading this book when I was 16 and being blown away by the erudition. Even to this day it's probably the most erudite biography I've ever read. The scholarly weight and depth of this book is tremendous. It is amazingly comprehensive. This is the kind of book that takes 20 years to write and must be a labor of love for the writer--the writer must really love his subject, in this case, Wilde. And one has every indication from the book that Richard Ellman did. His portrait of Wilde is no less sympathetic as it is complete. This must be the definitive biography which all other Wilde bios should be measured against. A superlative achievement.

David Rehak
author of "A Young Girl's Crimes"

I had just finished this book ten minutes ago and I am completely in love with the man. His life was one of both tragedy and creativity. I felt so sad for him in the last part of his life. He was an amazing soul and this bio accented it. A must read!

It's hard to believe how long ago this play was written, as the wit and sarcasm used by Wilde back then can easily be understood and appreciated by today's readers. If you're looking for a quick but highly entertaining introduction to the world of Oscar Wilde, read this play. One of his absolute best.

I recieved this script within three days of ordering. Well packaged inside and out this book was without even a dent (being paperback).

The script itself is fabulous! Very witty and entertaining. Keeps the audience interest and the ending is very satisfying.

Thanks! Very happy with my purchase!

The play's protagonist Jack makes up an imaginary brother called Earnest, who he uses as an excuse to get out of town and do what he likes, but is too embarrassed to admit he likes.
Jack and Algernon are best friends, who amusingly get tangled in the web of being mistaken for Earnest and falling in love with women who are mesmerized by the name Earnest, which as Jack's object of affection Gwendolen puts it: "it inspires absolute confidence".

The ladies, despite their fixation with Earnest's name, accept their loved ones, but will these two men give up the dream of being Earnest, and if they do, will society and other people accept the lie they made up?

As expected, a forcibly happy ending will reveal an unexpected surprise about Jack and the made up character.

If it wasn't Oscar Wilde's play, I would've asked, what are the odds? Given the playful plot and the masked serious topics like deception, double lives, hypocrisy and mainly the nature of marriage, I can accept some deviation from reality.

The importance of being Earnest is a fun read, and a special sarcastic way of dealing with Victorian morals and values as Wilde perceived them. The play absolutely deserves all the attention it got and still gets.

this is a novel always on fashion. hte dialogs are simply brilliant. oscar wilde picture a great variety of original personalities

I listened to an audio performance of this hilarious farce. Even over a hundred years after its original publication, this tale of mistaken identities and silly social interactions continues to entertain.

Jack Worthing and his irreponsible friend, Algernon, both pretend to be named Earnest as they pursue love with Gwendolen Fairfax and Cecily Cardew.

When the four lovers visit Jack's country home at the same time, the proverbial s**t his the fan. But never fear, a convienient twist resolves matters to everyone's satisfaction.

well i thought my favorite book was loves tender fury but i was mistaken couse the moment i read once more miranda i changed my mind. and people have to read it to understand. i believe this is one of Tom huff's best book ever. im a big fan of this author and now even more.
i highly recomend this book.

THIS IS THE ONE OF THE BEST NOVELS I HAVE EVER READ. IT'S HARD TO IMAGINE HOW DIFFICULT IT WOULD BE TO GROW UP ON THE STREETS OF 18TH CENTURY LONDON. MIRANDA DID IT AND BECAME A FAMOUS/NOTORIUS FEMALE WRITER. SHE EVEN SAVED HER LOVER FROM A DANGEROUS PLOT WHICH HE LATER BLAMES HER FOR AND DUMPS HER. YET SHE STILL SURVIVES...

I have read this book over and over again. This book has made me hurt inside with the feelings and the action between Miranda and Cam.Days after reading the book Im still crying and thinking of their love.It would be a great book to read if you like history,love and action.All I have to say is thank god it ends happy. After reading this book I have to hide it because it hurts to much to not be in Cams and Miranda's relationship.I guess sooner or later I have to let it go.

This is one of the most unique books I've ever read. I have never personally had the courage to attempt to write about a writer, but Wilde does it masterfully. Miranda endures a very difficult childhood as a pickpocket, and finds herself in the arms of Cam Gordon, a man whose pocket she attempted to pick. Through him she discovers her passion for the pen. Cam goes into a rage of jealousy when he discovers how amazing her work is, and the events that follow are unlike anything I've ever read in a romance. It was thoroughly amazing, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves historical romances!

Once More Miranda is the best romance ever written. I have lost track of how many times I have read this..and I know that I will read it many many more times in the future. Anyone who reads this book is transformed by Miranda..and never forgets her.

I can't really review this book as I gave it as a gift to my son-in-law. I think he's really enjoying it - he's planning on trying a little stand up soon.

I first read "Great Comedians" in 1972 when I was starting out as a comedian. I found it to be just what I needed as a young aspiring comedian. The interviews of Woody Allen, Shelley Berman, Jack Benny, and Phillis Diller resonated with me and helped me immensely in my standup comedy development. It also inspired me to write my own book probing the methods of my generations great comedians ("Comic Insights") in order to help today's young comedians get a better idea of what it takes to do quality standup. I recently read "Great Comedians" again, and my original verdict still stands. This book is still of immense value to all aspiring comedians.

It's no secret that comedians -- great and not-so-great -- are influenced by the WORK of other comedians. The advent of film in the 20th century made this a lot easier since when a comedian died the work was still available...and now with videos etc. it's easier than ever.

But what about HOW these comedians made laughs...how they were inspired...what specific techniques they used and did not use...and what advice they would give anyone interested in going into any area of comedy?

Those have been tough answers to get. To do it you'd have to buy a slew of good and sometimes rotten bios, many of them out of print. Until now. Stand-up comedian Larry Wilde's Great Comedians Talk About Comedy brings it all together.

Great Comedians is a superb, singular achievement that collects within one lively, 402-page, info-packed volume, detailed interviews done over several years with some of the 20th century's greatest comedians and comedy actors.

The selection is absolutely mind-boggling: Woody Allen, Milton Berle, Shelly Berman, Jack Benny, Joey Bishop, George Burns, Johnny Carson, Maurice Chevalier, Phyllis Diller, Jimmy Durante, Bob Hope, Dick Gregory, George Jessle, Jerry Lewis, Jerry Seinfeld, Danny Thomas and Ed Wynn.

Each interview is presented in straight Q&A format so you get to "hear" the question and "hear" the response, from what the comedian/comedy actor says to his/her own speech pattern. These folks worked in venues from vaudeville, to radio, to night clubs, to radio to early silent movies to talkies to TV. And their responses to questions contain revelations and constant inspiration.

A key theme: how "making it" in comedy requires timing, good material, dogged persistance, constant analysis of jokes/laughs and being LIKEABLE to an audience. Copying someone's stage personna or stealing their jokes just won't do it.

My favorite interviews were with Woody Allen (how he writes ten jokes on everything from matchbooks to napkins and only uses a few; how he won't try jokes out on friends since they're often too negative; how audience appeal MATTERS...and his pointing to Jackie Gleason as someone who often had a lousey show but people loved him), Jack Benny (the importance of learning comedy and advancing step by step...an explanation of his legendary timing), Joey Bishop ("...Luck cannot sustain you.Only talent can sustain you.."), George Burns (tips on timing, attitude and the importance emulating but not copying other performers), Phyllis Diller (five truly SUPERB short inspirational tips that can advance MANY careers...Her high laugh per minute standards), and Jerry Seinfeld (timing, getting into a focused mental framework and how his love of comedy as a kid blossomed).

This book an essential for ANYONE interested in comedy, or for students of comedy, public speakers, or anyone who simply wants to be funny in public. It's ALL HERE: the inspiration, the tips, the stories, the bios...the TOOLS.

It's now a cliche to say "comedy isn't easy" and the whole process is mysterious. Larry Wilde's Great Comedians Talk About Comedy makes it less mysterious and -- a a bit easier.

Almost all the reviews on Amazon are by stand- up comics who claim that this book has been a great resource in teaching them how to 'get em' and 'leave em' laughing.
I am not a stand- up comedian and perhaps not even a sit- down one.
But many of the people interviewed here have given me, people I have known and millions of others a lot of laughs, and a lot of happy moments. I think of how much Jack Benny meant in the old days to my parents. And how when we were growing up Tuesday night had to be with Uncle Miltie or it was not. I think of the great heart of Jimmy Durante " Good Night, Mrs.Calabash wherever you are." And also of Shelley Berman( "Some people say Aristotle died in Chalcis Euboea. I think Aristotle died 'of' Chalcis Eubeoa") Also others featured here, Carson who passed away this year who gave so many Americans their nighttime entertainment, and George Burns who with his, "Gracie.Say good night" always brought a smile. And even Joey Bishop who never seemed to me in the least funny , and Woody Allen( Unlike everyone else who reviewed this book I did not find his interview either interesting or funny, though I admit he has made a few clever remarks in his time. ie." I don't want to be an immortal. I just want to go on living forever".
Any gathering of such a great group of personalities has to be a source of entertainment.
This book as I understand it has served as a kind of 'Bible ' for stand- up comedians.
I suggest even some of the sit- down ones may get real pleasure from it.

There is very little to dislike in the content of the book. He interviews some of the great comics,comedians,funnymen of the 20th century about craft. The candidness of each interviewee is what struck me upon first reading. It often seems that comics can be quite elusive when it comes to discussing their craft. The general consensus among the subjects is that one has some innate funniness present that he can hone and sharpen in order to become a truly great comic. Wilde asks some very poignant questions about each one's process: writing, performing, and breaking into the business. He also requests of each that they divulge their major influences and what specific things they might have picked up from each. Very interesting stuff (I found out about several comics I had never heard of). There is also the requisite interview fodder of personal history and amusing anecdotes. This book seems to be the only one of its kind and is invaluable for its diverse perspectives from some of the greats. Berle, Hope, and Burns in particular provide interesting contextual history of their vaudeville days starting out (and the transition to post-vaudeville). The subjects chosen each share an unparalleled longevity in the business. I especially enjoyed the Berle and Woody Allen interviews. Each sheds light on specific aspects of "technique." The comics chosen represent a wide range of comedic styles: the reader is bound to be a fan of at least one. The book is an interesting historical document and quite unique: +5 stars.

I do have some criticisms of the book (-1 star). During later interviews in the book (chronologically), Wilde becomes a bit too referential. For example, he might begin a question with "Milton Berle once said to me..." Though it's interesting to see if a particular comic agrees with the others on certain points, this is not a terribly effective way to ask a question. Who in their right mind in the business would say that Milton Berle is full of it? The question can be asked without reference to the source (and therefore without the consequence of bias). Furthermore, the price is outrageous considering that the book could have been half the length if such a massive font was not used. Many responses to questions in the book have been edited and ostensibly continue beyond the transcription. You will notice the liberal use of elipses in nearly every interview. Perhaps if a standard font was used more of the abridged interviews could be included at no additional cost. This 2000 edition adds an interview with Jerry Seinfeld, but I'm not entirely certain how he was chosen as the only modern comic included. Could the book (originally published in 1968) have been put out cheaply in paperback? Only Larry Wilde's accountant may ever know.

I discovered this CD set (2 CDs) at my local library. Stuart is not only enlightening, yet realistic in his approach. He has an excellent speaking voice. I highly recommend this CD set.

This tiny book is packed full of wonderful insightful information. Highly recommended. You won't be dissapointed.

I love all the reviews on this book. All the power and magic this brings is soooo real. But they all left out a very important factor, which is Miracles really do happen with this book.They have for me.Just read and really trust with all your heart..And watch your life change!!!! What a great little book!!!!!!!!!

All of Stuart Wilde's books are GREAT. This one is one of the BEST. I would give Miracles MORE than 5 Stars if I could!

I was so impressed with this little book that I bought copies for several friends. Stuart's definitely "out there" but if you're able to trust your gut and suspend your preconceptions and conditioning, then the straight-to-the-point, no-fuss statements and action plans are fantastic. I've read many more garrulous books along similar lines but got much more out of the 52-page "Miracles", including one of my life's greatest "Ah ha!" moments. If only for that, it gets five stars.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1M1TYFS1DHIRK Yo look at THIS!

I bought this book for a class, but while I sold most of them back this beauty I kept. The play itself is obscure. Since it was written in (rather poor) French originally and translated back into English, it lacks some of Oscar Wilde's trademark style. This is not to say that the style of the play is without its own merits. As the book is the retelling of a Biblical story- that of Salome, daughter of King Herod, and John the Baptist (Iokanaan in this rendition)- the style of the play often mocks Biblical style. The wording is thus often repetitive and simple, but there's a beauty to it that is in many ways indescrible. While wordy, there is also a particular depth to it that you'll miss if you don't look carefully. Thematically, the play was very entertaining and I enjoyed the revisionist take on the Biblical story. Overall I found this work enthralling. This particular edition is beautiful- it includes all of Aubre Beardsley's stunning ink illustrations of the play. This is well worth having on your bookshelf (although it is rather large- 8x11)

Oscar Wilde's 1905 shocking, controversial play is no longer as disturbing to modern desensitized audiences and critics/literary scholars who recognize it as a play of psychological/Freudian aspects and as a fin-de-siecle example of the Decadence movement in the arts. Wilde's flowery, poetically lyrical, Biblically-influenced orutund words is devilishly at variance with its cruel violence and horror. In this edition, we are treated to the full illustrations by Aubrey Beardsley, Wilde's friend and himself a playwright and exponent of the Decadence. The pictures are dark, erotically charged but full of feminine lines and flowery imagery which were typical of Art-Noveau style in art/architecture. This is the entire play in a single act and I find makes a eye-grabbing book to put on your coffee table so guests can marvel at it. You'd be surprised to see the looks I get from them whenever they see the cover art!!

Wilde did not regard this work as his greatest when compared to his others, most notably The Importance Of Being Earnest. Shortly after Salome premiered, Oscar Wilde poked fun at himself and his play by dressing in drag in Salome's sexy costume for a photograph. It's likely Wilde had a bit of fun in writing a play that was bound to turn heads in a society fresh out of the Victorian Era. The words are indeed poetic and beautiful descriptions of nature, spirituality and romance mix with carnal innuendo.

The main characters- King Herod, Queen Herodias and Salome- are each in dire need of therapy, though they themselves may not admit it being a vainglorious and proud royal family. Queen Herodias became a target of John the Baptists' righteous anger and condemnation because according to old Mosaic Law she sinned by marrying the brother of her deceased first husband and thus committed incest. Full of hatred for the Prophet, she waited for the right moment to extract her revenge as well an opportunity to get him to "shut up" forever through his death. John the Baptist languished in prison at King Herod's Palace Dungeon, though in Wilde's play it was changed to a cistern in the palace courtyard garden. Herod thought it better he live the rest of his life in prison rather than be executed, for internally, Herod had always suspected that John was a reincarnation of the long dead Prophet Elias. Perhaps he thought that his presence would bring good fortune to his home. Herod has his own complexities. This is not the same Herod who ordered the deaths of the infants upon Jesus's birth. This Herod, possibly the son, ruled Jerusalem as a puppet-king and was a sycophant to the Roman Emperor. He lusted after his own daughter or stepdaughter Salome. "You stare at her too much" says the jealous Herodias whom we assume is aging and lackluster compared to her teenage, nubile daughter. Herod entertains sexual thoughts about his daughter and is aroused when she dances her famous Dance of the Seven Veils. I don't buy that he was just dead drunk. He has always lusted after Salome. But...he was in awe of John the Baptist and secretly respected him which is why he is so reluctant and even opposed to have his head severed upon Salome's request.

As for the eponymous heroine herself, she has been a subject of scholarly chat, art, literature, poetry and music throughout the years. Richard Strauss composed a celebrated opera based on this very play in 1905 and the soprano singing the role is in for a challenge because not only must she look young and dance, but her voice must be gargantuan and yet delicate. Salome found herself within the poetic themes of French poet Stephen Mallarme among others and orchestral compositions were made about her. Why does Salome ask for the head of Jon the Baptist ? Simply put, she's crazy young girl. She is only a teenager, probably between the ages of 15 and 18, awakening to her own sexuality which can be a confusing time. She is naive and inexperienced, spoiled rotten and mentally disturbed. She is fascinated with Jon the Baptist as a child would be with a new toy. He is foreign, exotic and mysterious to her and that's what makes him sexually attractive to her. More specifically, she is enamored of his lips though she believes the rest of his features are hideous. Since the Prophet rejects women and worldly things, he scolds Salome's sinfulness and refuses to kiss her, refuses to even turn and look at her face to face. This spurs Salome's anger. No man has ever found her unattractive or turned her down. The Palace Guard Nabbaroth kills himself out of frustated love for her. Many men are intoxicated by her beauty. The jealous, sexually frustrated Salome has reason enough to want Jon the Baptist's head on a platter. I have always felt that Salome was not a naive, thoughtless girl that her mother the Queen used as a pawn for her own revenge, as the Bible seems to imply. Salome had her own reasons for wanting the head of the Prophet. The truth is very disturbing as it would seem that Salome wanted his severed head as a sexy toy. "You would not suffer to kiss me when you were alive," she says in the play," and now you're dead and I'm alive and I have kissed your lips, Jochanaan." Necrophilia at its ugliest! It was for a sick, sexual pleasure that she demanded his head. Yet for all this, Wilde makes her a sympathetic, pitiful figure. We the audience are able to see her thought process through her words each time the Prophet rejects her and we see before our eyes her mental breakdown. Even so, one cannot help but wonder if this child of sin is right about certain claims she brings up. Salome believes that if John the Baptist had turned to look at her just once, he would have fallen in love with her. Could this be true ? Is this why the Prophet controlled himself and averted his eyes ? Salome claims that the Prophet is the only man she ever truly loved, which is a fallible even illogical statement when considering Salome appears to be a virgin, a girl on her first crush and has never experienced mature adult sexual relationships. Salome may be a ditzy, emotional and mental wreck but she has one of the most thought-provoking and inspirational lines I've ever heard in a play: "The mystery of love is greater than the mystery of death" which contain in its own way a kind of spirituality. Throught the play the most mysterious, unknowable character is John the Baptist, who, parrot-like, quotes Biblical passages and preaches in a fire-and-brimstone kind of way and never once reveals any of his true character. The play is great and though it's not performed today, it continues to fascinate readers everywhere. And by the way, the proper pronounciation for Salome is not "salami" like the food but sounds more French: Sa-Lo-May.

Beardsley's illustrations for Wilde's "Salome" are quite well known. I enjoyed seeing them, in unexpurgated forms, in the context of the script they were meant to adorn. I think I can see wonderful possibilities in staging that play, where modern sensibilities could show and accept what England of 1892 could not. Even so, I found the script itself somewhat repetitive, with more in it to startle than to explain. Perhaps there's a knack to reading this script that I haven't mastered.

This isn't the only place to find Beardsley's "Salome" illustrations. Other books show the uncensored forms of the pictures, too. This book, however, reproduces them in larger format and crisper printing than the others I know, and is worthwhile for at least that reason.

//wiredwierd

The last reviewer has totally missed the genius of this incredible dramatic work. The story as told in this one act play has nothing to do with the theology of Christian Biblical Mythology. It is a carefully constructed a meticulously executed examination of 'real' personalities interacting within a particular network of historical and social relationships. The unfulfilled passion which drives Wilde's Salomé to murderous revenge is deeply convincing within the context and the characterisation of the personalities created by this greatly inspired Anglo-Irish dramatist.

Complaining that a literary work does not reflect accurately some personally perceived 'historical' truth is like complaining about the historical accuracy of Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar' - it is missing the point entirely!

This play is a gripping, fast-moving tragedy which deals with the darker side of human nature vividly, imaginatively and with unguarded honesty. It is not, of course, like Wilde's other more popular plays which were designed to be humorous, witty and light. This like 'De Profundis'' "A picture of Dorian Gray' or some of his truly magnificent later poems, ranks as one of Wilde's greatest contributions to modern English literature. If you haven't already read it, do so - or better still - buy a few copies and stage it!