There was a theatrical thread to the launch of John Wyse Jackson’s latest work ‘Best-Loved Oscar Wilde’, with readings and extracts superseding the speeches, at Zozimus Bookshop, at the rear of The Book Café, in Gorey.

Actor Aisling O’Neill, also known of Carol from the RTE series ‘Fair City’ and George Percival, who performs with the Gorey-based Rasper Players, combined to give a stunning extract from Wilde’s most famous play that opened in London on Valentine’s Day, 1895, ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’.

This work gathers a selection of Wilde’s celebrated writing, chosen and introduced by John Wyse Jackson, and is a welcome renewal of well-known works that frequently surfaces, mostly as ‘quotes’ across the literary spectrum.

Garry Lombard, well-known for his contribution to Gorey Little Theatre, performed the official launch.

“Wilde is possibly the most written about of all Irish writers,” said Mr Lombard, who also pointed out that he was a man of so many talents that it is hard to encapsulate him.

Michael O’Brien, of O’Brien Books, was also on hand to support the author and praise the work.

‘Best-Loved Oscar Wilde’ by John Wyse Jackson, illustrations by Emma Byrne, hardback, 124 pages, published by The O’Brien Press, Dublin, available at Zozimus Bookshop, The Book Café, 86 Main St., Gorey.

Full report in THE GOREY ECHO this week.