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The Happy Prince

A Tale by Oscar Wilde
By Oscar Wilde
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde is a poignant children's story about a statue of a once-happy prince, adorned in gold and jewels, which overlooks a city. The statue, touched by the plight of the poor, enlists the help of a swallow to distribute its adornments to the needy, sparking a tale of compassion and sacrifice. Through beautiful symbolism, Wilde explores themes of selflessness, love, and the true meaning of happiness.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this heartwarming tale if you appreciate stories filled with rich symbolism and timeless lessons. Oscar Wilde weaves a narrative of compassion, selflessness, and true friendship, captured in a beautifully poignant and enduring children's story that appeals to readers of all ages.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
In a town where a lot of poor people suffer and where there are a lot of miseries, a swallow who was left behind after his flock flew off to Egypt for the winter, meets the statue of the late 'Happy Prince', who in reality has never experienced true sorrow, for he lived in a palace where sorrow isn't allowed to enter. Viewing various scenes of people suffering in poverty from his tall monument, the Happy Prince asks the swallow to take the ruby from his hilt, the sapphires from his eyes, and the golden leaf covering his body to give to the poor. As the winter comes and the Happy Prince is stripped of all of his beauty, his lead heart breaks when the swallow dies as a result of his selfless deeds and severe cold. The statue is then brought down from the pillar and melted in a furnace leaving behind the broken heart and the dead swallow and they are thrown in a dust heap. These are taken up to heaven by an angel that has deemed them the two most precious things in the city. This is affirmed by God and they live forever in his city of gold and garden of paradise.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Happy Prince, accompanied by Maisie Paradise Shearring's extraordinary illustrations, is praised for its beauty and emotional depth. The artwork has been noted for being both panoramic and intimate, capturing details that engage young readers. The illustrations bring a fresh perspective to Oscar Wilde's classic tale, making it poignant and relevant for today's audience.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780500651551

Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 22 March 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Illustration: Illustrated in colour throughout

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Maisie Paradise Shearring

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 245.0mm

Height: 280.0mm

Weight: 240g

Pages: 48

Collections

Children's Books Children's Picture Books Children’s, Teenage and Educational Oscar Wilde

About the Author

Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900) was an Irish playwright, novelist, essayist, and poet. He is known for his acclaimed works including The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest as well as his brilliant wit, flamboyant style and infamous imprisonment for homosexuality. Maisie Paradise Shearring is an acclaimed illustrator from Hull. In 2015 she won the International Award for Illustration at Bologna Children’s Book Fair. Thames & Hudson recently published her interpretation of Oscar Wilde’s classic story, The Happy Prince.

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