Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde: The Young King and The Remarkable Rocket
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
With brilliant illustrations by a master of comic art, this book of two of Oscar Wilde’s fairy tales brings his lyrical prose to life. In the first tale, the Young King is taken from humble origins and revels in the finer possessions of his new, lofty position. However, a series of dreams reveal to him the suffering his people must go through to make the extravagant belongings for him. Casting them off, he finds paradoxically that he may be alienating the very people he wants to help. In “The Remarkable Rocket,” a vain little rocket figures itself above all others and still manages to see glory in its dismal end. Perfect for middle school students as an introduction to the world-famous author, the dazzling illustrations in this book suit the timeless writings of Wilde.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Two perfect prose miniatures find their ideal illustrator in this fourth volume of Russell's adaptations from Wilde. There are no happy little diversions for children here; Wilde appreciated childlike innocence, but he also realized how often it was abused and disappointed in the adult world. In "The Devoted Friend," a rich miller who can talk eloquently about friendship exploits his trusting neighbor to the point of death. In "The Nightingale and the Rose," an innocent bird sacrifices itself for the sake of a true love that turns out to be a sham. Wilde isn't blatantly jeering at hypocrites or credulous fools in these stories. He is, however, suggesting that even the most genuinely beautiful surfaces shouldn't be trusted. Russell catches this mood perfectly, not trying to overshadow Wilde but merely helping him do his disturbing work. Russell's exquisite art has a supple ink line that's never fussy. His picture of the miller shows an elaborate, empty facade, far more offensive than a simple hypocrite. The yearning lover looks sincere enough to convince readers that the nightingale must be doing the right thing until, at the conclusion, readers recognize he's just a dull lad. Pricey as this slim book is, it's probably best not to read many of Wilde's sardonic tales at one time.
