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Product Description
Product Description
Oscar Wilde's moving story of the relationship between a magnificent statue and a little swallow is brought to life by Jane Ray's stunning artwork. Perched on high, the prince's statue can see all the misery of the city and begs the swallow to pluck off his gold leaf and distribute it amongst the poor. First published over one hundred years ago, the fairy tale is recognised as an enchanting masterpiece and this classic picture book is bound to be enjoyed by adults and children alike and treasured forever.
About the Author
Jane Ray's artwork has gained acclaim at home and abroad. She won the 6-8 category of the Smarties Prize with The Story of Creation; The Story of Christmas was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award, and A Balloon for Grandad was shortlisted for the Mother Goose Award. Jane lives in London.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Our children are familiar with this Oscar Wilde story, but we were all entranced by the illustrations by Jane Ray. The story is bittersweet and offers much to children and adults alike. This version is beautiful to read aloud. I was surprised that our 5 year old enjoyed it, but the language and simplicity bewitched us all.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
I love this story, it's amazing. When the book arrived I thought the illustrations were really beautiful, but I was a bit gutted that it doesn't contain the full original text. Sections have been edited out to make it shorter and more suitable for children, for example:
- The town people's humorous comments on the prince: gone
- The love story with the Reed (supposed to reflect Oscar Wilde's marriage): gone
- Love between the prince and the swallow (also reflecting Wilde's life): much more subtle
- Description of palace of Sans-Souci: reduced to one sentence
- Ironic conversation between main-of-honour and her lover: gone
- Reference to the match-girl getting beaten by her father: gone
Some of these are understandable given the intended audience, but omitting the prince's comment "the poor always think that gold can make them happy", really loses some of the depth of the story, as does the change to the closing line.
But then I read it to my four year old son, and realised that it's still got a lot of magic, and also more than enough complexity to challenge and stretch young children. Most of the stuff about Egypt is still there, which makes it a lot more poetic than your average children's book. I found myself with a lot of words and concepts to explain, not least poverty and suffering. Our son was enthralled and fascinated (asking "why" continuously), and declared that he loved it, so I suppose that's the vote of confidence you'll be looking for.
- The town people's humorous comments on the prince: gone
- The love story with the Reed (supposed to reflect Oscar Wilde's marriage): gone
- Love between the prince and the swallow (also reflecting Wilde's life): much more subtle
- Description of palace of Sans-Souci: reduced to one sentence
- Ironic conversation between main-of-honour and her lover: gone
- Reference to the match-girl getting beaten by her father: gone
Some of these are understandable given the intended audience, but omitting the prince's comment "the poor always think that gold can make them happy", really loses some of the depth of the story, as does the change to the closing line.
But then I read it to my four year old son, and realised that it's still got a lot of magic, and also more than enough complexity to challenge and stretch young children. Most of the stuff about Egypt is still there, which makes it a lot more poetic than your average children's book. I found myself with a lot of words and concepts to explain, not least poverty and suffering. Our son was enthralled and fascinated (asking "why" continuously), and declared that he loved it, so I suppose that's the vote of confidence you'll be looking for.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Here's a thought, Oscar Wilde - how about a straightforward happy ending, eh? None of my family can get through this book without bawling. Yeah, yeah, heaven and all that but come on. Also, I suggest it's retitled 'The Evil Prince': after all, he had a great life and it's only as a statue that he starts caring about the poor. And how does he expiate his guilt at a life of selfishness? He cons some poor bird into doing his dirty work. I think that prince is a bit of a- wait, this is a review for a childrens book, isn't it?
Anyway, the story's sweet and carries a nice message about caring and sharing (i.e., don't do it, you'll end up on a scrap heap) and Jane Ray's illustrations are sublime as always. This edition has supplanted the one I had as a child and I like to think that my kids will pass it on to their kids so they can have a good old cry and ask awkward questions about death as well.
In short, a lovely book but not one for Christmas morning, perhaps.
Anyway, the story's sweet and carries a nice message about caring and sharing (i.e., don't do it, you'll end up on a scrap heap) and Jane Ray's illustrations are sublime as always. This edition has supplanted the one I had as a child and I like to think that my kids will pass it on to their kids so they can have a good old cry and ask awkward questions about death as well.
In short, a lovely book but not one for Christmas morning, perhaps.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
happy prince
I was so looking forward to receiving my 2 copies of this lovely book,one as a birthday gift,but unfortunately I am STILL awaiting their arrival,despite having paid for them..... Read more
Published 3 months ago by me
happy and content
happy with this book it was a present and very gratefully received by my son in law who asked for it dont no why because its a childrens book
Published 4 months ago by loopylou
Late delivery
I havent received the book yet. The ordering process went well, the delivery did not. Not having seen it I can't rate the book.
Published 16 months ago by Nora E. Buys
lovely story
only had this book for a few days,but it has already become a favourite of both my 5yr old son and mine. such a touching story with beautiful pictures,a real classic.
Published 19 months ago by rach78
Tears and memories
This book brought back chldhood memories. I can't read it without it making me cry. What a great story. This book is also beautifully illustrated.
Published on 25 Mar 2010 by R. Andrews
Superb
I defy you to read this and not shed a tear. Although this is the saddest tale ever written it is beautiful from start to finish. Read more
Published on 3 Nov 2009 by C. PIPE
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