Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde

Jarlath Killeen is a Lecturer in Victorian Literature at Trinity College Dublin. He is also the author of The Faiths of Oscar Wilde and Gothic Ireland.

• Contents: Preface; Introduction; Part I The Happy Prince and Other Tales: The Happy Prince; The Nightingale and the Rose; The Selfish Giant; The Devoted Friend; The Remarkable Rocket. Part II A House of Pomegranates: The Young King; The Birthday of the Infanta; The Fisherman and His Soul; The Star Child; Bibliography; Index.

’Killeen's interpretations should be taken seriously and should be allowed to channel readers in new directions, especially in seeing the religious dimensions of the tales. The readings are cogent and well argued, never seeming forced, never distorting a tale to make it fit a preconceived notion... We cannot ask Wilde what he intended, but the stories are enriched for me after having read Killeen's book. I recommend it highly, especially to those who approach literature from a Christian worldview.’ Christianity and Literature ’This study exposes the deep symbolism in Wilde's tales as they relate to Irish-Catholic culture, which was saturated with symbols that could only emerge through aesthetic forms.’ Journal of Pre-Raphaelite Studies ’Jarlath Killeen’s new book certainly delivers in terms of comprehension... there can be little doubt about the critical necessity of his project.’ European Legacy