Enjoy the brilliance and humor of Oscar Wilde’s short stories in this stunning Easton Press edition. This hardcover book is bound in burgundy red leather that has a rich texture and a vibrant color, with 22 kt gold accents and lettering that add a touch of elegance to the cover and spine. The pages are acid neutral and thread sewn for durability and quality, and their edges are gilded with 22 kt gold for a luxurious and protective finish. A silk page marker is attached to the binding for your convenience. The spine features raised bands that add a classic touch to the book. The end papers are made of silk moire for a refined look. The book is STILL SEALED and in fine condition, with no signs of wear, damage, or writing. (Photos/video of unsealed copy are used only to illustrate the beauty of the book and are of a previous listing.) This is a collector’s edition that you will treasure for years to come.
Short Stories by Oscar Wilde is a collection of stories written by the famous Irish author and playwright. The stories range from fairy tales for children to witty and satirical stories for adults. Some of the most well-known stories in the collection are:
- The Happy Prince: A story about a statue of a prince who gives away his jewels and gold to help the poor and needy, with the help of a little swallow who becomes his friend.
- The Nightingale and the Rose: A story about a nightingale who sacrifices her life to create a red rose for a young student who is in love with a girl who asks for a rose as a token of his love.
- The Selfish Giant: A story about a giant who owns a beautiful garden but does not allow any children to play in it. He learns a lesson about kindness and generosity when he sees the consequences of his selfishness.
- The Devoted Friend: A story about a poor miller who claims to be a devoted friend to a rich gardener, but only takes advantage of him and never helps him in return.
- The Remarkable Rocket: A story about a vain and arrogant rocket who thinks he is superior to everyone else and boasts about his greatness. He ends up being a failure and a disappointment when he finally gets to be launched.
Oscar Wilde was a gay man who was persecuted and imprisoned for his sexuality in the late 19th century, and some of the short stories include views on LGBTQ+ themes. His writings reflect his own experiences and beliefs, as well as his critique of the society that oppressed him. Some examples of his short stories included in this volume that deal with LGBTQ+ themes are:
- The Portrait of Mr. W.H.: A story about a theory that Shakespeare’s sonnets were written for a young boy actor named Willie Hughes, who inspired Shakespeare’s love and art. The story explores the themes of homoeroticism, literary criticism, and forgery.
- Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime: A story about a young aristocrat who is told by a palmist that he will commit a murder. He decides to kill someone before he marries his fiancee, so that he can avoid any future trouble. He chooses his uncle, who is secretly gay and has a lover.
- The Canterville Ghost: A story about an American family who moves into a haunted English mansion. The ghost of Sir Simon de Canterville tries to scare them away, but fails miserably. He is befriended by the youngest daughter, Virginia, who helps him find peace and forgiveness. The story hints at the ghost’s bisexuality and his attraction to both men and women
The stories in the collection showcase Oscar Wilde’s wit, humor, and moral vision. They also reflect his views on art, beauty, love, society, and human nature.
Dimensions: 10 by 8 inches
SHL Grade: STILL SEALED and in FINE CONDITION