André Gide (1869–1951) was a French novelist, playwright, and essayist whose work is renowned for its stylistic innovation and ethical inquiries into the human condition. He was a key figure in literary modernism and won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1947. Gide's oeuvre includes a wide range of literary forms, such as autobiographical writings, such as 'If It Die...' (Si le grain ne meurt, 1924) and 'The Immoralist' (L'Immoraliste, 1902), as well as fiction, including 'Strait is the Gate' (La Porte étroite, 1909) and 'The Counterfeiters' (Les Faux-monnayeurs, 1925). His literary style often weaves complex moral dilemmas, exploring themes of authenticity, sexuality, and existential angst. Gide was also known for his influence on other writers and his open challenges to societal norms of his time. His work 'Oscar Wilde, a study' is a testament to his willingness to engage with controversial figures, and explores the life of the titular playwright with empathy and critical insight. He was a bold critic of colonialism and a proponent of personal liberty, ideas which are mirrored in his literary legacy and continue to provoke thought in contemporary discourse.