Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was a Dublin-born poet and playwright who studied at the Portora Royal School, before attending Trinity College and Magdalen College, Oxford. The son of two writers, Wilde grew up in an intellectual environment. As a young man, his poetry appeared in various periodicals including Dublin University Magazine. In 1881, he published his first book Poems, an expansive collection of his earlier works. His only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, was released in 1890 followed by the acclaimed plays Lady Windermere's Fan (1893) and The Importance of Being Earnest (1895).

A detailed criticism of capitalism and charity from an anarchist perspective. The Soul of Man Under Socialism, by Oscar Wilde, examines the cause and impact of altruism. Despite good intentions, the nature of giving remains in direct opposition to capitalism. Therefore, it creates an environment incapable of solving its problems.