Drama Classics: The World's Great Plays at a Great Little Price Oscar Wilde's undying comedy – in an edition to fit any handbag. Jack Worthing pretends to be Earnest to avoid certain social obligations. But Gwendolen has fallen in love with him as Earnest - and he with her. Quizzed as to his origins by her aunt Lady Bracknell, Jack has to admit to being found in a handbag. After further complications involving Jack's friend Algernon, who is also passing himself off as Earnest, Jack's true origins are revealed. Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest was first performed in February 1895 at the St James's Theatre in London. This edition in the Nick Hern Books Drama Classics series includes an introduction by Dan Rebellato.