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The Happy Prince

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The Happy Prince

By: Oscar Wilde
Narrated by: Anton Lesser
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About this listen

This is a story from the The Happy Prince and Other Stories collection.

Oscar Wilde's collection of fairy stories are among the greatest and most poignant classics for children and adults alike. Humour, pathos, delightful little characters abound in the stories of The Happy Prince and the Swallow who agrees to keep him company despite approaching winter; The Selfish Giant, who doesn't want children playing in his garden, and The Remarkable Rocket. In addition, there are those who are not so familiar: The Star Child, The Young King, and The Devoted Friend.

©1998 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd. (P)1998 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd. Classics Fantasy World Literature Royalty

Editor reviews

Although best known for his witty and often scathing satirical works, Oscar Wilde also produced, in his lifetime, numerous collections of short stories and fairytales, including The Happy Prince and Other Tales, from which this particular selection is drawn. In "The Happy Prince", Wilde weaves a strange, sad, and compelling tale of helplessness, sacrifice, selflessness, and redemption, all centered around a statue and a sparrow who together seek to save the inhabitants of a small town - at the cost of their own lives....

Anton Lesser’s limber, trilling tones are well-suited to this light - if moderately melancholy - tale, and his energetic, attentive delivery creates an enchanting atmosphere sure to ensnare listeners.
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What can I say more highly of the legendary Oscar Wilde that hasn't already been said? Just this...a simple but beautiful tale. Bravo Sir, you were a genius.

Simply beautiful

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I have always loved this perfectly written tale. Not one word is wasted, nor do any appear that should not.
Anton Lesser tells the story with such sensitive expression. The music may not be necessary, yet it does not detract from the performance.
I admit that I did shed several tears, and imagine that I will cry every time I listen to it.

A beautiful story beautifully told

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A favourite story from my childhood, which yet again brought a tear to my eye.
perfectly read, I was transported into the story.
Thank you

Beautiful

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