Lady Jane Francesca Wilde (1821-1896) is today best known as the mother of Oscar Wilde (1854-1900), but in her lifetime was famous in her own right as a fervent supporter of Irish Nationalism.

After the death of her husband in 1876, Lady Wilde wrote to support herself, her other works including essays, literary criticism and travel writing. She was also a strong supporter of feminism and the campaign for female suffrage and legal rights. This volume, first published in 1893, contains a collection of essays on various topics of importance to Lady Wilde, including feminism, good manners and aesthetic clothing, with short biographies of Irish Nationalist leaders.

This volume was Lady Wilde's last published work, and provides a valuable example of her writing style and the influence of the aesthetic movement on social behaviour.