Through the years since they were first written, Oscar Wilde's fairy tales have received many different treatments. The five stories chosen for inclusion here have been somewhat abridged (long philosophical passeages and such omittted), but have not been adapted. All of the words are Wilde's words. The resulting stories can easily be read by young readers and are fine for reading aloud.
It is the pictures, however, that make this book special. Their elegance, detail, sympathy for the author's intent and delicate yet forceful colors stand in unusual counterpoint to the text.
The stories themselves are familiar; most adults and even many children know well 'The Birthday of the Infanta', The Selfish Giant', 'The Nightindale and the Rose', 'The Young King', and 'The Happy Prince'.
It is the pictures, however, that make this book special. Their elegance, detail, sympathy for the author's intent and delicate yet forceful colors stand in unusual counterpoint to the text.
The stories themselves are familiar; most adults and even many children know well 'The Birthday of the Infanta', The Selfish Giant', 'The Nightindale and the Rose', 'The Young King', and 'The Happy Prince'.
