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  • The Canterville Ghost

  • By: Oscar Wilde
  • Narrated by: Walter Covell
  • Length: 1 hr and 7 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (15 ratings)

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The Canterville Ghost cover art

The Canterville Ghost

By: Oscar Wilde
Narrated by: Walter Covell
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Editor reviews

Listeners will begin to smile at the first sound of Walter Covell's delicious English accent. "The Canterville Ghost" is perhaps Oscar Wilde's most famous story, employing his knife-sharp wit, his keen observations, and his cunning commentary on society. Covell's performance holds its own with the best renditions of this story, including operas, plays, and films. His timing is perfect, and his portrayal of character is dynamic and reflective of the stories' imperious humor.

Summary

Many consider "The Canterville Ghost" the most famous ghost story of all time. It is a parody featuring a dramatic spirit named Sir Simon and an American ambassador named Mr. Hiram B. Otis. Mr. Otis travels to England with his family and moves into a haunted castle. Lord Canterville, the previous owner of the castle, warns Mr. Otis that the ghost of Sir Simon de Canterville has haunted the castle ever since he killed his wife, Eleonore, centuries ago. But Mr. Otis dismisses the ghost story as bunk and disregards Lord Canterville's warnings.

Over the years, there have been many adaptations of this story for movies, TV and even for the Opera.

Public Domain (P)1980 Jimcin Recordings

Critic reviews

"[A] classic of Wildean wit and Victorian sentimentality...a delight." ( Booklist)

What listeners say about The Canterville Ghost

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