Märchen

by Oscar Wilde, Julia Plath (Illustrator), Franz Blei (Translator)

Eine Schwalbe opfert sich für einen Prinzen aus Gold, ein Riese erkennt zu spät, dass er sich selbst das Paradies verwehrt hat, und eine Nachtigall gibt ihr Leben für die wahre Liebe – Oscar Wildes Märchen, »geschrieben teils für Kinder und teils für jene, die sich die kindliche Fähigkeit zu Staunen und Freude bewahrt haben«, sind voller poetischer Kraft, Ironie und Weisheit.

Diese prachtvolle Neuausgabe versammelt alle neun Erzählungen aus Der glückliche Prinz und Ein Granatapfelhaus, von Julia Plath meisterhaft illustriert. Ihre kunstvollen Bilder lassen die magische, manchmal melancholische Atmosphäre von Wildes Geschichten lebendig werden.

Genres: Classics, Fantasy, Fiction, Short Stories, Audiobook, Mythology, British Literature

174 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1999

About the author

Oscar Fingal O'Fflahertie Wills Wilde was an Irish poet and playwright. After writing in different forms throughout the 1880s, he became one of the most popular playwrights in London in the early 1890s. He is best remembered for his epigrams and plays, his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, and his criminal conviction for gross indecency for homosexual acts.
Wilde's parents were Anglo-Irish intellectuals in Dublin. In his youth, Wilde learned to speak fluent French and German. At university, he read Greats; he demonstrated himself to be an exceptional classicist, first at Trinity College Dublin, then at Magdalen College, Oxford. He became associated with the emerging philosophy of aestheticism, led by two of his tutors, Walter Pater and John Ruskin. After university, Wilde moved to London into fashionable cultural and social circles.
Wilde tried his hand at various literary activities: he wrote a play, published a book of poems, lectured in the United States and Canada on "The English Renaissance" in art and interior decoration, and then returned to London where he lectured on his American travels and wrote reviews for various periodicals. Known for his biting wit, flamboyant dress and glittering conversational skill, Wilde became one of the best-known personalities of his day. At the turn of the 1890s, he refined his ideas about the supremacy of art in a series of dialogues and essays, and incorporated themes of decadence, duplicity, and beauty into what would be his only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890). Wilde returned to drama, writing Salome (1891) in French while in Paris, but it was refused a licence for England due to an absolute prohibition on the portrayal of Biblical subjects on the English stage. Undiscouraged, Wilde produced four society comedies in the early 1890s, which made him one of the most successful playwrights of late-Victorian London.
At the height of his fame and success, while An Ideal Husband (1895) and The Importance of Being Earnest (1895) were still being performed in London, Wilde issued a civil writ against John Sholto Douglas, the 9th Marquess of Queensberry for criminal libel. The Marquess was the father of Wilde's lover, Lord Alfred Douglas. The libel hearings unearthed evidence that caused Wilde to drop his charges and led to his own arrest and criminal prosecution for gross indecency with other males. The jury was unable to reach a verdict and so a retrial was ordered. In the second trial Wilde was convicted and sentenced to two years' hard labour, the maximum penalty, and was jailed from 1895 to 1897. During his last year in prison he wrote De Profundis (published posthumously in abridged form in 1905), a long letter that discusses his spiritual journey through his trials and is a dark counterpoint to his earlier philosophy of pleasure. On the day of his release, he caught the overnight steamer to France, never to return to Britain or Ireland. In France and Italy, he wrote his last work, The Ballad of Reading Gaol (1898), a long poem commemorating the harsh rhythms of prison life.

Reviews

[Katie Lumsden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable and interesting. Oscar Wilde's fairytales are entertaining and a bit different.

[La Talpa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eine sehr schöne Sammlung an Märchen. Manche fand ich natürlich besser als andere, aber gefallen hatten sie mir alle. Der Schreibstil ist sehr leichtfüßig und wunderbar zu lesen und das obwohl diese Märchensammlung von 1888 ist.

Besonders das Märchen vom glücklichen Prinzen hat mich in meine Kindheit zurückgebracht, da ich es bereits aus den "Erzähl mir was"- Bänden kenne und ich als Kind diese Märchen- und Kindergeschichtenreihe geliebt habe.

Ein richtig schönes Lesevergnügen ❤️

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oscar Wilde's fairy tales are something else. Either extremely sarcastic in their analysis of human flaws, or rather sad.

I loved the stories - already knew a few of them, but I enjoyed all.

I wasn't sure on some of the narrations, though, but I'll rate this based on the stories.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Oscar Wilde offended Victorian society by producing works of social mockery, aside from living a scandalous life. Although Wilde's fairy tales were intended for a young audience, they contain social overtones that most children would not understand, but that are meant to project a higher social ethic upon later generations. The criticism of the Victorian society in Wilde's fairy tales is apparent in the parallels between the situations he imagines and real-life situations, and also in the high moral standards that Wilde holds up by contrasting the bad behavior with the good.

Instead of beginning his works with a conflict and ending with a resolution, Wilde builds up the conflict without offering a resolution, and unlike most fairy tales, his do not have "happily ever after" endings. The lack of resolution causes the reader to finish the work feeling unfulfilled and dissatisfied with the lack of positive outcome, just as Wilde was dissatisfied with the lack of improvement in his so-called "progressive" Victorian society.

The perspective that Wilde conveys in his fairy tales is that society, in general, does not progress. The "paralyzing immobility of life" is directly associated with the exclusive social hierarchy in which people could not transcend their class nor could they be promoted.

Though it may seem odd that so many social criticisms were included in fairy tales meant for children, in many ways fairy tales are the best vehicle for criticism. The setting of fairy tales is often ambiguous, and therefore, can be likened to almost any place in real life. Fairy tales, being considered a work of fiction provided the author with a safer way to criticize society, rather than him just stating his criticisms directly. Though they were written in the nineteenth century, and in pertain to Victorian society, they are also adaptable to modern times. Also, fairy tales, being meant for a younger audience, are a practical way of instilling the moral values of the author in future generations. Wilde's fairy tales are, and have been, immensely popular, and they contain important messages about humanity, and the injustices of life. They provided a means of criticism that virtually no other form of literature could supply.”

[Excerpts taken from Zia Course’s essay “Oscar Wilde’s Fairy Tales: No one lived happily ever after.”]

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

These fairy tales have very strong moral lessons to teach, not only to children, but as a reminder to adults as well. Of course, the writing was superlative. I listened to the book in the car, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

[Joni Janice Mielke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed these stories, and liked a few of the narrators who read them. In my opinion, it would have served the audio producers well to include some sort of transition effects between narrators because the switch between one reader and the next can be quite jarring. I didn't care for the abruptness of it. Otherwise, the stories were interesting and the narrators all did fine jobs with the material they had. Most of them were well matched, with particular mention of Dame Judi Dench and Jeremy Irons.

[Tatiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of fairy tales penned by Oscar Wilde were dark, cynical and very entertaining. The star studded cast of narrators was pretty cool too.

[Marijo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wit and wisdom that hallmark the work of Oscar Wilde comes through in this book of fairy tales for children. (I mean, the wordplay of the story title The Fisherman and His Soul is clear.) These short morality stories focus on the importance of kindness and charity, and they leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling, even if they make you cry. (I admit it, I got weepy-eyed at the end of The Happy Prince. Of course, I did the same thing when I read The Velveteen Rabbit for the first time years ago.)

If you're looking for some wholesome children's stories with a bit less terror than the Brothers Grimm provide, the fairy stories of Oscar Wild may fit the bill.

[Ninaminacat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am deducting a star because this audiobook claimed to include a bonus chapter, Elaine Stitch's performance of "The Actress", which is not listed in the index and does not play immediately after the last story.

Now back to the stories themselves. Knowing that Oscar Wilde was exceptionally proud of his fairy tales, I decided that as a fan of his plays and literature, I should broaden my experience of his works, especially since I could only recollect one of his fairy tales, "The Happy Prince" from my childhood. The line-up of distinguished actors involved with this audiobook made it seem the perfect vehicle to achieve this - and I wasn't disappointed with the performances. The stories were as dark as fairy tales should be and "The Happy Prince" even more devastating than I remembered it. I am sure I shall listen to these tales again.

[Kayla Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a great collection of his stories. My favorites were the selfish giant and the devoted friend. He has a whimsical way with words. A treasure that the world did not appreciate nearly enough while he was with us. If you even remotely like his work, read the fairy tales in this collection as they are great for all ages.

[🌶 peppersocks 🧦 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reflections and lessons learned:
Tales they I’m not sure that I knew existed before but felt partially familiar. The Happy Prince story really is standout... some great narration - not sure when I’d let the kids listen to these though? In that was classic fairy tales with the dark warnings

[SHANNON YOUNG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very witty and engaging fairy tales, often sarcastic and sad. There is always a "moral to the story" quality, as he examines themes about human nature (flaws, mostly) and social injustice.

The narration was exceptional. I highly recommend this audio presentation.

[MANJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunting stories that I am sure will stay with me for ages. Some are dark and equally meaningful for all ages. Highly recommend

[Cecilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favourites from 20 years back. Not sure I am quite as excited about this as 18 year old me was, but the narrating adds an extra star.

[Miki Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very dark, but brought me to tears a few times

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Old fashioned stories and none of them particularly happy but good to hear them in their original form and great narration!

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nightingale and the Rose - 3/5
The Devoted Friend - 3/5
Happy Prince - 5/5
The Remarkable Rocket - 2/5
Selfish Giant - 3/5

[Angelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exquisite book. I enjoyed every word of it. The performance is excellent. I sincerely recommend it. I re-lived some childhood memories but also listened to some unknown tales.

[Fawns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some fairytales were memorable, some weren’t too interesting, all were very Wilde.

[Brillenpinguin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Schön geschrieben, phantasievoll und sarkastisch. Achtung, es gibt hier keine Happy Ends!

[Susu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kleine, fantastische Erzählperlen in märchenhafter Tradition - vom jungen König über den Fischer und seine Seele bis zum selbstsüchtigen Riesen. Eine Schmökerperle

[Juliana · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the good things to come out of the pandemic was the various ways artistic organizations came together to fundraise in a time where theaters were closed. I have lost count, for example, of how many performances of the Royal Opera House Ballet I’ve watched from the comfort of my own home.

I know it’s really an overall sad thing how un-secure (I somehow don’t think insecure was the appropriate word here, even though it probably was) artists and freelancers’ living is, but the way they came together to keep afloat during these trying times yielded results such as this audiobook produced in aid of the Royal Theatrical Fund, and I’ll be forever grateful.

I wouldn’t even have known Oscar Wilde had written fairytales if not for Audible, and having the pleasure of having them performed to be by the likes of Jeremy Irons and Dame Judi Dench was just a treat.

It turns out Wilde wrote 2 books of fairytales, which were both united in this 4 hour audiobook. It is comprised of the following tales:

The Nightingale and the Rose: in which a romantic bird is willing to go to extreme lengths to help a boy appease his love
The Devoted Friend: in which a rich Miller takes advantage of Little Hans in name of friendship
The Star-Child: in which a poor man finds a beautiful child in the woods and takes him in to unexpected results
The Fisherman and his Soul: in which a fisherman catches a mermaid but ends up ensnared himself and convinced to getting rid of his soul
The Birthday of the Infanta: in which we follow the 12th birthday party of the princess of Spain, in a especially offensive story
The Happy Prince: in which the statue of a prince sacrifices itself for its people with the help of a swallow
The Young King: in which a bastard prince raised in the forest is recognized as heir at the the King’s deathbed
The Remarkable Rocket: in which an extremely proud rocket thinks he’s better than all other fireworks
The Selfish Giant: in which a giant wants his garden to himself
Needless to say, not a single one of these fairytales has anything remotely close to a happy ending. They’re all stories which remind us that life is unfair and people have flaws and some of those flaws are especially egregious. But it still does not mean that the good guys will win the end, because they will not.

Actually, the best description I can think of for this beautifully written collection of fairytales comes from a very old quote from Veronica Mars: “Life sucks, and then you die.”

Now excuse me which I go and watch Moana again…

[Ruben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: read in german translation (Katrin Marydith), reviewer is not a native speaker.

Those who find the heaviness of the world and the self-righteousness of Catholic doctrine important elements in fairy tales will enjoy Oscar Wilde and this book. One notices that a master of his craft is at work, the descriptions are eloquent, the characters vivid, the morality immanent, the pacing sophisticated. Even if you can imagine a certain inexperience in the genre, the typical fairy tale elements are clearly visible. I would like to say that this is exclusive of the clearer Christian logic, however, upon further reflection on other fairy tale authors or collectors, I come to a different conclusion. It is also found in Grimm's fairy tales, especially in the later, more clearly reviewed and moralized variants. Likewise with Anderson and Hauff, even if in different strength. In any case, Wilde does not spare with mockery and criticism of clergy and authorities, nor with references to a "correct" Christian doctrine. What he also does not spare are sometimes clumsy, but entertaining endings as in "The Star Child".

Part of this collection are two great classics: "The Happy Prince" and "The Selfish Giant", which have clear tragic and moralizing elements, true to the motto: "You have to suffer in this world, if you want to be a good person." It is also important to have to put a good face on the bad game in the classic Jesus manner. Clear recommendation to fans of fairy tales and short stories in general. A small caveat for the squeamish and those used to Disney, as well as for all those who throw up when Christian morality, albeit in a rather universal variant, becomes the content of individual stories.

[Yumi Kirtash · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a book that just fell into my hands by pure chance, I did not buy nor was it a present, it sort of appeared in our home. I had a singing presentation in which I needed to bring many books as props, while travelling to the concert I grew bored and started reading it, I got more into it than I thought I would.

I enjoyed the first fairy tale of the swallow and the Happy Prince, it was sad but I have enjoyed it.

The second tale of _The Nightingale and the Rose_ was at first a pleasure to read, the writing is truly enchanting. However, the student and his love interest were really rude and unlikable, it tainted the beauty of the (rather foolish) act that the Nightingale had done.

_The Selfish Giant_ was simple and warming story, I enjoyed this one.

_The Devoted Friend_ was painful to read, I could not stand the rich Miller, I felt so bad for little Hans, I could not understand how he could not see he was taken advantage by his "friend". I can imagine this happens in real life, people who take advantage of others but the person who is being done to does not know or is afraid of angering their "friend". Terrible.

The last one was _The Remarkable Rocket_ which again made me feel a bit what I had felt in the prior story; painful to read. The rocket could think and would wish to think only of himself, while at the same time saying how much he despises people who are exactly like him. How can someone be so oblivious I wonder?

Not a book I would read again, but the writing was pleasant and some of the stories nice. I might not have understood the underlying meanings of each story, for some it seemed pretty clear, for other, not as much.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I throughly enjoyed this audio book. Not only are the fairy tales beautiful (although some have sad endings), but the narrators are wonderful too.
Narrated By Judi Dench, Jeremy Irons, Joanna Lumley, Derek Jacobi, Sinead Cusack, Robert Harris, Samantha Bond, Geoffrey Palmer, Donald Sinden, Elaine Stritch

[Yoana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book equaled roughly a semester of English classes in terms of vocabulary. This is where I learnt the names of most jewels and flowers in English. Also where I first came across the concept of the Christian sacrifice as infinite love for the world.

[Holly Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Happy Prince is a story that will never leave you. No Oscar Wilde fan should omit the fairy tales from their reading.

[Aurumora · Rating 4 out of 5]

- eine schöne Zusammenstellung von Märchen von Oscar Wilde
- winzige hochwertige kleine Ausgabe
- ich mag Osacar Wildes Märchen, nur hat er manchmal eine Tendenz zur Wiederholung als Stilmittel

[Susi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wunderschöne Märchen, die sehr nachdenklich machen.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oscar Wilde has very little faith in humanity!

The Audiobook performances are stellar.