Publisher Description
"Fairy Tales for Adults" invites readers on a journey into the captivating worlds of Oscar Wilde and Anton Chekhov, where profound truths, wisdom, and mindfulness intertwine within enchanting tales. These stories, with their universal appeal, transcend age and nationality, resonating with audiences across generations. Within these pages, readers will encounter a cast of characters both familiar and mysterious, who beckon us to explore, reflect, and find inspiration in their stories. In "The Star-Child" by Oscar Wilde, the narrative follows the transformative journey of a young boy born with a star shining in his forehead. Through encounters with various trials and tribulations, the story delves into themes of identity, compassion, and the search for one's true self. Wilde's lyrical prose illuminates the path towards self-discovery and the importance of embracing one's unique qualities. "The Happy Prince," another masterpiece by Oscar Wilde, tells the tale of a golden statue adorned with precious jewels, perched high above a city. Through the conversations between the Prince and a swallow, the story explores themes of selflessness, empathy, and the power of sacrifice. This poignant tale serves as a reminder of the beauty found in acts of kindness and compassion, even in the face of adversity. Anton Chekhov's "About Love" delves into the intricacies of human relationships and the multifaceted nature of love. Through a series of interconnected stories, Chekhov examines love in its various forms, encompassing passion, longing, and the complexities of the human heart. With his keen insights into the human condition, Chekhov prompts readers to contemplate the true meaning of love and its profound impact on our lives. Read in English, unabridged.
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About the Authors
Anton Chekhov (1860–1904), the author of hundreds of short stories and several plays, is regarded by many as both the greatest Russian storyteller and the father of modern drama. He described the Russian life of his time using a deceptively simple technique devoid of obtrusive literary devices, thereby becoming the prominent representative of the late nineteenth-century Russian realist school. His early stream-of-consciousness style strongly influenced the literary world, including writers such as James Joyce.
Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was born in Dublin. He won scholarships to both Trinity College, Dublin, and Magdalen College, Oxford. In 1875, he began publishing poetry in literary magazines, and in 1878, he won the coveted Newdigate Prize for English poetry. He had a reputation as a flamboyant wit and man-about-town. After his marriage to Constance Lloyd in 1884, he tried to establish himself as a writer, but with little initial success. However, his three volumes of short fiction, The Happy Prince, Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime, and A House of Pomegranates, together with his only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, gradually won him a reputation as a modern writer with an original talent. That reputation was confirmed and enhanced by the phenomenal success of his society comedies: Lady Windermere’s Fan, A Woman of No Importance, An Ideal Husband, and The Importance of Being Earnest, all performed on London’s West End stage between 1892 and 1895. In 1895, he was convicted of engaging in homosexual acts, which were then illegal, and sentenced to two years imprisonment with hard labor. He soon declared bankruptcy, and his property was auctioned off. In 1896, he lost legal custody of his children. When his mother died that same year, his wife Constance visited him at the jail to bring him the news. It was the last time they saw each other. In the years after his release, his health deteriorated. In November 1900, he died in Paris at the age of forty-six.
About the Narrators
Josh Verbae is the editor and a theology specialist at The Big Nest. His work includes compiling collections of Christian Classics series and editions of the Holy Bible. His narration work includes The Tale of Benjamin Bunny by Beatrix Potter, The Sphinx without a Secret by Oscar Wilde, and English Fairy Tales, Vol 1 by Andrew Lang.
Max Bollinger was born in Russia, grew up in Ukraine, and moved to England in 1993. He currently resides in London.