The Picture of Dorian Gray. The Canterville Ghost. The Happy Prince and Other Tales

“The ones who are able to see the high meaning of beauty are cultural people. However, the chosen one is the one who sees only one thing in beauty: the Beauty itself ” said one of the most famous English poets, writers, playwrights, a bright and inimitable Oscar Wilde (1854-1900).        Oscar Wilde is the author of not only the world famous novel “Portrait of Dorian Gray”, but also of beautiful fairy tales combining the rich imagination of the writer and the ironic style of narration.   They sing the beauty of good deeds, sympathy for the offended and humanity. Wilde is also famous for such works as “Puffy Rocket”, “Infanta’s Birthday”, “Nightingale and the Rose”, “Princess’s Birthday”, “Faithful Friend”, “The Prince and the Swallow”, “The Egoist Giant”.    “The Canterville Ghost” is about a family who moves to a castle haunted by the ghost of a dead nobleman, who killed his wife and was starved to death by his wife’s brothers. The home of the Canterville Ghost was the ancient Canterville Chase, which has all the accoutrements of a traditional haunted house. Descriptions of the wainscoting, the library panelled in black oak, and the armour in the hallway characterise the setting. Wilde mixes the macabre with comedy, juxtaposing devices from traditional English ghost stories such as creaking floorboards, clanking chains, and ancient prophecies.       Illustrated by Nataly Ger.