Friends Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff often need an escape from their burdensome social obligations. So Jack, who goes by Ernest in London, lives a double life, while Algy has invented an alibi: a best friend named Bumbury who is perpetually on his deathbed.But as Jack and Algy set about wooing the objects of their affection, the inevitable unraveling of the men’s duplicity and deception threatens their happily ever afters.In his exhilarating and subversive comedy of bizarre coincidence, disguise, and ribald misadventure, Oscar Wilde takes delight in cracking the facade that defined the civility and high-minded manners of Victorian society.Revised edition: Previously published as The Importance of Being Earnest, this edition of The Importance of Being Earnest (AmazonClassics Edition) includes editorial revisions.