Roger D. Wilde

1Canterville Ghost

By Oscar Wilde

The American Minister and his family have bought the English stately home Canterville Chase, complete with the ghost of Sir Simon de Canterville - blood-stains, clanking chains and all. But these modern Americans will have no truck with ghostly goings-on, and set out to beat the spectre at his own game. (Summary by David Barnes)

2Importance of Being Earnest

By Oscar Wilde

The Importance of Being Earnest is a classic comedy of manners in which two flippant young men, in order to impress their respected beloveds, pretend that their names are “Ernest,” which both young ladies believe confers magical qualities on the possessor. It was first performed for the public on February 14, 1895 at the St. James’ Theatre in London, and is regarded by many critics and scholars as being the wittiest play in the English language. (Summary from Wikipedia.org)<br /><br /><b>Characters:</b><br /><em>John Worthing, J.P.</em> - Read by <a href="http://www.johngon.com" rel="nofollow">John Gonzalez</a><br /><em>Algernon Moncrieff</em> - Read by <a href="http://www.gordmackenzie.com/" rel="nofollow">Gord Mackenzie</a><br /><em>Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D.</em> - Read by <a href="http://tis.goringe.net/" rel="nofollow">Chris Goringe</a><br /><em>Merriman, Butler</em> - Read by Peter Yearsley<br /><em>Lane, Manservant</em> - Read by <a href="http://dosemagazine.blogsome.com/" rel="nofollow">Hugh McGuire</a><br /><em>Lady Bracknell</em> - Read by <a href="http://www.mediatinker.com/" rel="nofollow">Kristen McQuillin</a><br /><em>Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax</em> - Read by Deana<br /><em>Cecily Cardew</em> - Read by <a href="http://kayray.org/" rel="nofollow">Kara Shallenberg</a><br /><em>Miss Prism, Governess</em> - Read by Sureka<br /><em>Narrator</em> - Read by <a href="http://betsie.info" rel="nofollow">Betsie Bush</a><br /><em>Project Editor</em> - <a href="http://www.writingshow.com/" rel="nofollow">Paula Berinstein</a>

3Picture of Dorian Gray

By Oscar Wilde

Dorian Gray, a young man of wealth and stature in late 1800's London, meets Lord Henry Wotton while posing for a portrait by his friend Basil Hallward. Once the painting is complete, Dorian realizes that it will always be young and attractive, while he will be forced to age and wither with the years. Carelessly, he wishes the opposite were true. What happens is a treatise on morals, self-indulgence and how crucial personal responsibility is towards one's self. (Summary by John Gonzalez)

4Happy Prince and Other Tales

By Oscar Wilde

Collection of children’s stories written in 1888, dealing primarily with love and selfishness. These stories are generally sad, with a moralistic message. The collection includes: The Happy Prince, The Nightingale and the Rose, The Selfish Giant, The Devoted Friend, and The Remarkable Rocket. (Summary written by Joy Chan)

5Reviews

By Oscar Wilde

Wilde’s literary reputation has survived so much that I think it proof against any exhumation of articles which he or his admirers would have preferred to forget. As a matter of fact, I believe this volume will prove of unusual interest; some of the reviews are curiously prophetic; some are, of course, biassed by prejudice hostile or friendly; others are conceived in the author’s wittiest and happiest vein; only a few are colourless. And if, according to Lord Beaconsfield, the verdict of a continental nation may be regarded as that of posterity, Wilde is a much greater force in our literature than even friendly contemporaries ever supposed he would become. <p>It should be remembered, however, that at the time when most of these reviews were written Wilde had published scarcely any of the works by which his name has become famous in Europe, though the protagonist of the æsthetic movement was a well-known figure in Paris and London. (Summary from Introduction by Robert Ross)</p>

6Ballad of Reading Gaol

By Oscar Wilde

Wilde’s meditation on capital punishment, the Ballad of Reading Gaol comes after he was convicted and imprisoned under charges of gross indecency. The charges stemmed from his affair with Lord Alfred Douglas, the son of the Marquis of Queensberry. It relates the story of an execution of a man who murdered his wife which Wilde witnessed during his internment. Published in 1898, it was Wilde’s last published poem as he would die in 1900 from cerebral meningitis, caused by syphilis.(Summary by John Gonzalez)

7Ballad of Reading Gaol, (version 2)

By Oscar Wilde

In 1895, Oscar Wilde was sentenced to 2 years of hard labor for acts of ‘gross indecency’. During his time at Reading Gaol, he witnessed a rare hanging, and in the three years between his release and his untimely death in 1900, was inspired to write the following poem, a meditation on the death penalty and the importance of forgiveness, even for (and especially for) something as heinous as murdering one’s spouse; for even the murderer, Wilde argues, is human and suffers more so for being the cause of his own pain, for ‘having killed the thing he loved’; for everyone is the cause of someone else’s suffering and suffers at the hands of another. It is this that Jesus Christ could see; he could continue to see the beauty of our humanity, despite all that we may do to each other, and encouraged us to love each other just the same<br /><br /> “The Ballad of Reading Gaol” was published in 1898 and would gain Wilde greater recognition as a poet (in addition to being a great playwright); although his only other volume of poetry, one of his earliest works that he’d published, was also well-received. Sadly, ‘The Ballad’ would be his last.<br />(Summary by Linda Leu).

8Ideal Husband

By Oscar Wilde

<i>An Ideal Husband</i> is an 1895 comedy by Oscar Wilde which revolves around blackmail and political corruption, and touches on the themes of public and private honor. The action is set in London, in "the present", and takes place within a single day. "Sooner or later," Wilde notes, "we shall all have to pay for what we do." But he adds that, "No one should be entirely judged by their past." (Summary from Wikipedia)<br /><br /> <b>Characters:</b><br /><em>Narrator</em> &#8211; Read by <a href="http://alexfoster.me.uk/" rel="nofollow">Alex Foster</a><br /><em>The Earl Of Caversham, K.G.</em> &#8211; Read by Linton<br /><em>Viscount Goring, his son</em> &#8211; Read by John Gonzalez<br /><em>Sir Robert Chiltern, Bart., Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs</em> &#8211; Read by <a href="http://www.earthcallingdavid.com/" rel="nofollow">David Barnes</a><br /><em>Vicomte De Nanjac, Attache at the French Embassy in London</em> &#8211; Read by Juho Fröjd<br /><em>Mr. Montford</em> &#8211; Read by <a href="http://matthew-walton.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">Matthew Walton</a><br /><em> Mason, Butler to Sir Robert Chiltern </em> &#8211; Read by <a href="http://dosemagazine.blogsome.com/" rel="nofollow">Hugh McGuire</a> <br /><em>Phipps, Lord Goring&#8217;s servant</em> &#8211; Read by Juho Fröjd<br /><em> James, footman</em> &#8211; Read by Read by <a href="http://tis.goringe.net/" rel="nofollow">Chris Goringe</a><br /><em>Harold, footman</em> &#8211; Read by Zachary Brewster-Geisz<br /><em>Lady Chiltern</em> &#8211; Read by <a href="http://librivox.org/newcatalog/people_public.php?peopleid=28" rel="nofollow">Kristin Hughes</a><br /><em>Lady Markby</em> &#8211; Read by Heather Barnett<br /><em>The Countess Of Basildon</em> &#8211; Read by JemmaBlythe<br /><em>Mrs. Marchmont</em> &#8211; Read by <a href="http://librivox.org/wiki/moin.cgi/ezwa" rel="nofollow"> Ezwa</a><br /><em>Miss Mabel Chiltern, Sir Robert Chiltern&#8217;s sister</em> &#8211; Read by Ophelia Darcy<br /><em>Mrs. Cheveley</em> &#8211; Read by <a href="http://betsie.info" rel="nofollow">Betsie Bush</a><br /><em>Project Editor</em> &#8211; <a href="http://www.writingshow.com/" rel="nofollow">Paula Berinstein</a>

9Lady Windermere's Fan

By Oscar Wilde

<i>Lady Windermere's Fan: A Play About a Good Woman</i> is a four act comedy by Oscar Wilde, published in 1893. As in some of his other comedies, Wilde satirizes the morals of Victorian society, and attitudes between the sexes.<br /><br />The action centres around a fan given to Lady Windermere as a present by her husband, and the ball held that evening to celebrate her 21st birthday. (Summary by Ruth Golding)<br /><br /> <strong>Cast:</strong><br /> Lady Windermere - <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/28">Kristin Hughes</a><br /> Lord Windermere - <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/2195">Joe Earley</a><br /> Mrs. Erlynne - <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1259">Elizabeth Klett</a><br /> Lord Darlington - <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/827">Simon Taylor</a><br /> The Duchess of Berwick - <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/2607">Ruth Golding</a><br /> Mr. Cecil Graham - <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/2358">Chugosh</a><br /> Lord Augustus Lorton - <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/2538">Chrystian J. Gonzalez</a><br /> Mr. Dumby - <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1913">Geoff Cowgill</a><br /> Parker - <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/2427">Ed Meade</a><br /> Lady Agatha Carlisle - <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/123">Ezwa</a><br /> Lady Plymdale - <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/84">Christie Nowak</a><br /> Mr. Hopper - <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1094">tubeyes</a><br /> Lady Jedburgh - <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1649">Kalynda</a><br /> Rosalie - <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1328">Duan</a><br /> Lady Stutfield - <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1975">Sara Korsmo</a><br /> Mrs. Cowper-Cowper - <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/2592">Anna Roberts</a><br /> Narrator - <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/2748">Annoying Twit</a> <br /><br /> Audio edited by Rosalind Wills and Ruth Golding.

10De Profundis

By Oscar Wilde

This short work of Wilde's was written during his two year incarceration for "gross indecency". This work is a letter which sorts out his life, and his love toward Lord Alfred Douglas. Wilde wrote this as a farewell letter to Douglas. (summary by Aaron Elliott)<br /><br /> NOTE: "Transcribed from the 1913 Methuen & Co. edition. Note that later editions of De Profundis contained more material. The most complete editions are still in copyright in the U.S.A."

In 1894, Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900) published two collections of aphorisms: <em>A Few Maxims For The Instruction Of The Over-Educated</em>, in the Saturday Review newspaper, and <em>Phrases and Philosophies for the Use of the Young</em>, in the Oxford student magazine The Chameleon. By turns witty, intellectual, counter-intuitive and obtruse, the collections came to be seen by many as emblematic of Wilde's style, and countless collections of Wildean aphorisms have since been published. (Summary by Carl Manchester)

LibriVox volunteers bring you 12 different recordings of <em>Serenade</em> by Oscar Wilde. This was the weekly poetry project for the week of April 20th, 2008.

13Importance of Being Earnest (version 2)

By Oscar Wilde

Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde (1854 – 1900) was an Irish playwright, novelist, poet, and author of short stories. Known for his barbed wit, he was one of the most successful playwrights of late Victorian London, and one of the greatest celebrities of his day. <br /><br />In Wilde’s classic play The Importance of Being Earnest, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff discover the perils of love, assumed identities, and telling the truth. (Summary by Toby Paradis and Wikipedia)<br /><br /> <b>LibriVox cast:</b><br /> John Worthing, J.P.: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/2700">Hans-Stefan Ducharme</a><br>Algernon Moncrieff: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/2697">Simon Ferland</a><br>Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D.: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/2280">Toby Paradis</a><br>Merriman, Butler: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/2280">Toby Paradis</a><br>Lane, Manservant: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/2280">Toby Paradis</a><br>Lady Bracknell: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/2698">Sarah A. Farnham</a><br>Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/2701">Nyssa Gatcombe</a><br>Cecily Cardew: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/2699">Rebecca Bailey</a><br>Miss Prism, Governess: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/2702">Eileen Nadeau</a><br />Sound Tech - Keagan Rae

14Picture of Dorian Gray (Lippincott)

By Oscar Wilde

The Picture of Dorian Gray is the only published novel written by Oscar Wilde, and first came out as the lead story in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine on June 20, 1890. Wilde later revised this edition, making several alterations, and adding new chapters; the amended version was published by Ward, Lock, and Company in April 1891. The novel tells of a young man named Dorian Gray, the subject of a painting by artist Basil Hallward. Basil is greatly impressed by Dorian's physical beauty and becomes strongly infatuated with him, believing that his beauty is responsible for a new mode in his art. Talking in Basil's garden, Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton, a friend of Basil's, and becomes enthralled by Lord Henry's world view. Espousing a new kind of hedonism, Lord Henry suggests that the only thing worth pursuing in life is beauty, and the fulfilment of the senses. Realising that one day his beauty will fade, Dorian cries out, wishing that the portrait Basil has painted of him would age rather than himself. Dorian's wish is fulfilled, subsequently plunging him into a series of debauched acts. The portrait serves as a reminder of the effect each act has upon his soul, with each sin being displayed as a disfigurement of his form, or through a sign of aging. The Picture of Dorian Gray is considered one of the last works of classic gothic horror fiction with a strong Faustian theme. It deals with the artistic movement of the decadents, and homosexuality, both of which caused some controversy when the book was first published. However, in modern times, the book has been referred to as "one of the modern classics of Western literature." (Summary by Wikipedia)

15Florentine Tragedy and La Sainte Courtisane

By Robert Baldwin Ross and Oscar Wilde

Two short fragments: an unfinished and a lost play. A Florentine Tragedy, left in a taxi (not a handbag), is Wilde’s most successful attempt at tragedy – intense and domestic, with surprising depth of characterisation. It was adapted into an opera by the Austrian composer Alexander Zemlinsky in 1917. La Sainte Courtisane, or The Woman Covered in Jewels explores one of Wilde’s great idées fixes: the paradox of religious hedonism, pagan piety. Both plays, Wildean to their core, revel in the profound sadness that is the fruit of the conflict between fidelity and forbidden love. Written towards the end of his tragic life, these fragments give us a glimpse of a genius at his best: visceral, passionate, personal, poetic. (Summary by Simon Larois)<br><br> A Florentine Tragedy - cast:<BR> Narrator: <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=3157">TriciaG</a><br>GUIDO BARDI, A Florentine prince: <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=1492">mb</a><br>SIMONE, a merchant: <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=2986">Simon Larois</a><br>BIANNA, his wife: <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=2607">Ruth Golding</a><br> <BR> La Sainte Courtisane - cast:<BR> Narrator: <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=2607">Ruth Golding</a><br>First man: <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=1492">mb</a><br>Myrrhina: <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=2297">Philippa</a><br>Second man: <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=3332">L.French</a><br>Honorius: <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=3098">woggy298</a><br> <BR> Edited by <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=2607">Ruth Golding</a>

16Bildnis des Dorian Gray

By Oscar Wilde

Als der berückend gutaussehende Jüngling Dorian Gray sein Porträt betrachtet, kommt ihm der Gedanke, wie herrlich es sein müsste, wenn das Bild an seiner Stelle altern könnte, während er selbst für immer jung und schön bliebe. Als sich dieser fantastische Wunsch zu erfüllen beginnt, genießt Dorian seine ewige Jugend in vollen Zügen - während in seiner Seele ein grauenvolles Werk der Zerstörung seinen Lauf nimmt. (Zusammenfassung von Al-Kadi)

17Fisherman and his Soul

By Oscar Wilde

”The Fisherman and his Soul” is a fairy tale first published in November of 1891 in Wilde’s “A House of Pomegranates”. It tells of a fisherman who nets and falls in love with a mermaid. But to be with her he must shed his soul, which goes off to have adventures of its own. Will forbidden love endure? -- This reader has also recorded the three other tales in “A House of Pomegranates” which can be found in the LibriVox Short Story Collections, volumes 37, 38, and 39. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)

The original 1891 version of the play was in French. Three years later an English translation was published. The play tells in one act the Biblical story of Salome, stepdaughter of the tetrarch Herod Antipas, who, to her stepfather's dismay but to the delight of her mother Herodias, requests the head of Iokanaan (John the Baptist) on a silver platter as a reward for dancing the Dance of the Seven Veils. (Summary by wikipedia)<br /><br /> <strong>Cast:</strong><br /> Herod Antipas: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/2149">Mark Penfold</a><br /> Iokanaan: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3699">Bruce Pirie</a><br /> The Young Syrian: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4358">Kim Stich</a><br /> Tigellinus: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/5635">Matthew Reece</a><br /> A Cappadocian: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/5386">Tim Ferreira</a><br /> A Nubian: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/5303">D MoNeY</a><br /> First Soldier: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/5346">Skythrock</a><br /> Second Soldier: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/5404">Joshua Logan</a><br /> The Page of Herodias: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4572">om123</a><br /> Herodias: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/5285">Sweetlilbirdy</a><br /> Salome: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3536">Arielle Lipshaw</a><br /> A Slave: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/5103">Ana</a><br /> First Jew: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/5506">Frank Booker</a><br /> Second Jew/Fourth Jew/Sadducee: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1259">Elizabeth Klett</a><br /> Third Jew/First Nazarene: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/26">Denny Sayers</a><br /> Fifth Jew: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/2911">David Lawrence</a><br /> Second Nazarene: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4705">Algy Pug</a><br /> A Pharisee: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1492">mb</a><br /> Narrator: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3157">Tricia G</a><br /><br /> <strong>Audio edited by:</strong> Arielle Lipshaw

19Picture of Dorian Gray (version 2 dramatic reading)

By Oscar Wilde

The novel tells of a young man named Dorian Gray, the subject of a painting by artist Basil Hallward. Basil is impressed by Dorian's beauty and becomes infatuated with him, believing his beauty is responsible for a new mode in his art. Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton, a friend of Basil's, and becomes enthralled by Lord Henry's world view. Espousing a new hedonism, Lord Henry suggests the only things worth pursuing in life are beauty and fulfillment of the senses. Realizing that one day his beauty will fade, Dorian expresses his desire to sell his soul to ensure the portrait Basil has painted would age rather than himself. Dorian's wish is fulfilled, plunging him into debauched acts. The portrait serves as a reminder of the effect each act has upon his soul, with each sin displayed as a disfigurement of his form, or through a sign of aging. This reading uses the 20-chapter 1891 version of Wilde's novel. (Summary by Wikipedia)<br /><br/> <strong>Cast:</strong><br/><br/>NARRATOR - <a > Martin Geeson</a><br /> Lord Henry Wotton - <a > David Goldfarb</a><br /> Dorian Gray - <a > Volunteer </a><br /> Basil Hallward - <a > Anthony</a><br /> Sibyl Vane - <a > Miss Avarice</a><br /> James Vane - <a > David Lawrence</a><br /> Duchess of Monmouth - <a > Availle</a><br /> Victor - <a > Martin Geeson</a><br /> Francis - <a > Simon Pride</a><br /> Cab Driver - <a > Simon Pride</a><br /> Parker - <a > Elizabeth Klett</a><br /> Lord Fermor - <a > Anthony</a><br /> Lady Agatha - <a > Sarah</a><br /> Duchess of Harley - <a > Hannah Harris</a><br /> Sir Thomas Burdon - <a > Terence Taylor</a><br /> Mr. Erskine - <a > Frank Booker</a><br /> Mrs. Vandeleur - <a > Mary-Beth Blackburn</a><br /> Lady Henry - <a > Susanna</a><br /> Mrs. Vane - <a > Arielle Lipshaw</a><br /> Mrs. Leaf - <a > Rebeka Harris</a><br /> Mr. Hubbard - <a > Frank Booker</a><br /> Alan Campbell - <a > Ernst Pattynama</a><br /> Lady Narborough - <a > Elizabeth Klett</a><br /> Lady Ruxton - <a > Mary-Beth Blackburn</a><br /> Adrian Singleton - <a > Joseph Lawler</a><br /> Woman - <a > Lucy Perry</a><br /> Sir Geoffrey Clouston - <a > Mark F. Smith</a><br /> Gamekeeper - <a > Martin Geeson</a><br /> Gardener- <a > Joseph Lawler</a><br /> Young Man - <a > Elizabeth Klett</a><br /> Old Gentleman - <a > Mark F. Smith</a><br /> Constable - <a > Joseph Lawler</a><br /> <br />Audio edited by Arielle Lipshaw

20Soul of Man

By Oscar Wilde

“(T)he past is what man should not have been. The present is what man ought not to be. The future is what artists are.”<br/><br/> Published originally as “The Soul of Man Under Socialism,” this is not so much a work of sober political analysis; rather it can be summed up as a rhapsodic manifesto on behalf of the Individual. Socialism having deployed technology to liberate the whole of humanity from soul-destroying labour, the State obligingly withers away to allow the free development of a joyful, anarchic hedonism...<br/><br/> “Is this Utopian? A map of the world that does not include Utopia is not worth even glancing at, for it leaves out the one country at which Humanity is always landing.”<br/><br/> Far from abandoning the epigram in favour of the slogan, Wilde wittily assails several of his favourite targets: the misguided purveyors of philanthropy; life-denying ascetics of various kinds; the army of the half-educated who constitute themselves the enemies of Art - and those venal popular journalists who cater to them...<br/><br/> “Behind the barricade there may be much that is noble and heroic. But what is there behind the leading-article but prejudice, stupidity, cant, and twaddle?” (Introduction by Martin Geeson)

21Happy Prince and Other Tales (version 2)

By Oscar Wilde

The Happy Prince and Other Tales (also sometimes called The Happy Prince and Other Stories) is an 1888 collection of stories for children by Oscar Wilde. It is most famous for The Happy Prince, the short tale of a metal statue who befriends a migratory bird. Together, they bring happiness to others, in life as well as in death.<br /><br /> The stories convey an appreciation for the exotic, the sensual and for masculine beauty. (summary from Wikipedia.)

22De Profundis (version 2)

By Oscar Wilde

This is a letter written from prison in 1897 by Oscar Wilde to Lord Alfred Douglas, in which he recounts how he came to be in prison and charts his spiritual development. (summary by AdamH)</p> NOTE: ."Transcribed from the 1913 Methuen & Co. edition Note that later editions of De Profundis contained more material. The most complete editions are still in copyright in the U.S.A."

23Woman of No Importance

By Oscar Wilde

A Woman of No Importance is a play by Irish playwright Oscar Wilde. The play premièred on 19 April 1893 at London's Haymarket Theatre. It is a testimony of Wilde's wit and his brand of dark comedy. It looks in particular at English upper class society and has been reproduced on stages in Europe and North America since his death in 1900. (Summary by Wikipedia) <br><br><strong>Cast:</strong><br>Lord Illingworth: <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=6037">Peter Bishop</a><br>Sir John Pontefract: <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=2825">Ernst Pattynama</a><br>Lord Alfred Rufford: <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=6446">Bob Gonzalez</a><br>Mr. Kelvil, M.P.: <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=6459">Nigel Boydell</a><br>The Ven. Archdeacon Daubeny, D.D. : <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=3595">Martin Geeson</a><br>Gerald Arbuthnot: <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=1492">mb</a><br>Farquhar, Butler: <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=6482">Delmar H Dolbier</a><br>Francis, Footman: <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=3664">Barry Eads</a><br>Lady Hunstanton: <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=5265">Susanna</a><br>Lady Caroline Pontefract: <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=4964">Rashada</a><br>Lady Stutfield: <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=6281">Beth Thomas</a><br>Mrs. Allonby: <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=1259">Elizabeth Klett</a><br>Miss Hester Worsley: <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=3157">TriciaG</a><br>Alice, Maid: <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=3816">Bev J. Stevens</a><br>Mrs. Arbuthnot: <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=3536">Arielle Lipshaw</a><br>Narrator: <a href="https://catalog.librivox.org/people_public.php?peopleid=2911">David Lawrence</a><br><br><strong>Audio edited by: </strong>Arielle Lipshaw<br>

24Picture Of Dorian Gray (1891 Version)

By Oscar Wilde

The Picture of Dorian Gray is the only published novel by Oscar Wilde, appearing as the lead story in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine on 20 June 1890, printed as the July 1890 issue of this magazine. Wilde later revised this edition, making several alterations, and adding new chapters; the amended version was published by Ward, Lock, and Company in April 1891. The novel tells of a young man named Dorian Gray, the subject of a painting by artist Basil Hallward. Basil is impressed by Dorian's beauty and becomes infatuated with him, believing his beauty is responsible for a new mode in his art. Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton, a friend of Basil's, and becomes enthralled by Lord Henry's world view. Espousing a new hedonism, Lord Henry suggests the only things worth pursuing in life are beauty and fulfillment of the senses. Realizing that one day his beauty will fade, Dorian (whimsically) expresses a desire to sell his soul to ensure the portrait Basil has painted would age rather than himself. Dorian's wish is fulfilled, plunging him into debauched acts. The portrait serves as a reminder of the effect each act has upon his soul, with each sin displayed as a disfigurement of his form, or through a sign of aging. The Picture of Dorian Gray is considered a work of classic gothic fiction with a strong Faustian theme. (Summary by Wikipedia)

25Importance of Being Earnest (version 3)

By Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest is subtitled "A Trivial Comedy for Serious People," and has proved immensely popular since its first performance in 1895. The play certainly has its farcical and comic elements, such as the witty banter exchanged by the characters and the flippant attitude towards love and marriage that characterizes the action. However, the play also explores more serious themes through the central story of Jack Worthing's search for his identity. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)<br/><br/> <strong>Cast</strong><br>John Worthing: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6553">Dublin Gothic</a><br>Algernon Moncrieff: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/5719">John Fricker</a><br>Rev. Chasuble: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3595">Martin Geeson</a><br>Merriman: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1492">mb</a><br>Lane: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4705">Algy Pug</a><br>Lady Bracknell: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/2607">Ruth Golding</a><br>Gwendolyn Fairfax: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1295">Elizabeth Klett</a><br>Cecily Cardew: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3536">Arielle Lipshaw</a><br>Miss Prism: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6173">Carol Box</a><br>Narrator: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6689">Tiffany Halla Colonna</a><br><br><strong>Audio edited by Elizabeth Klett</strong>

26Symphony in Yellow

By Oscar Wilde

LibriVox volunteers bring you 21 recordings of Symphony in Yellow by Oscar Wilde. This was the Weekly Poetry project for March 18, 2012.<br><br>Oscar Wilde, an Irish author who lived for much of his life in London, is most famous for his witty, satirical plays. He also worked for some time as a journalist.<br><br>Much of his poetry was written early in his career, with a notable exception being The Ballad of Reading Gaol. This poem, Symphony in Yellow, is probably one of his earlier works; in it he describes London in a flattering manner something he was disinclined to do after his trial and imprisonment.<br>(Summary by Lucy Perry)

27Duchess of Padua

By Oscar Wilde

Guido Ferranti, a young man, travels to Padua with his friend Ascanio after receiving a mysterious letter from a stranger, claiming to know the true secret of Guido's birth. His plan of revenge goes awry, however, when he falls in love with his enemy's beautiful wife, the Duchess of Padua. (Summary by Wikipedia and wildemoose)<br><br> <strong>Cast</strong>:<br>Simone Gesso, Duke of Padua; Hugo the Headsman: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4705">Algy Pug</a><br>Beatrice, Duchess of Padua: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3536">Arielle Lipshaw</a><br>Andreas Pollajuolo, Cardinal of Padua: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6754">ToddHW</a><br>Maffio Petrucci; Servant; First Soldier; Usher: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/7315">Charlotte Duckett</a><br>Jeppo Vitellozzo; Count Moranzone: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3595">Martin Geeson</a><br>Taddeo Bardi; Bernardo Cavalcanti, Lord Justice of Padua; Third Soldier: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1259">Elizabeth Klett</a><br>Guido Ferranti: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6333">Max Körlinge</a><br>Ascanio Cristofano: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/7170">Alan Mapstone</a><br>Lucy, a Tirewoman: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/7171">April Gonzales</a><br>First Citizen: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6548">Kristingj</a><br>Second Citizen: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/7138">CaprishaPage</a><br>Third Citizen: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6947">Grace</a><br>Tipstaff; Second Soldier: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/7079">Chuck Williamson</a><br>Narrator: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/2825">Ernst Pattynama</a><br>Audio edited by Arielle Lipshaw

28Vera; or the Nihilists

By Oscar Wilde

Vera; or, The Nihilists is a play by Oscar Wilde. It is a melodramatic tragedy set in Russia and is loosely based on the story of Vera Zasulich. It was the first play that Wilde wrote. It was produced in the United Kingdom in 1880, and in New York in 1882, but it was not a success and folded in both cities. It is nowadays rarely revived. (Summary by Wikipedia) <br><br><strong>Cast</strong>:<br>Peter Sabouroff/Baron Raff: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4705">Algy Pug</a><br>Vera Sabouroff: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3536">Arielle Lipshaw</a><br>Michael: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/7791">Robin King</a><br>General Kotemkin: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/7170">Alan Mapstone</a><br>Sergeant/Professor Marfa: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6548">Kristingj</a><br>Soldier/Aide-de-Camp: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6947">Grace</a><br>Prisoner/Colonel of the Guard: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/6544">Amanda Friday</a><br>Dmitri/Page/President of the Nihilists: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/1259">Elizabeth Klett</a><br>Alexis Ivanacievitch: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/7556">Alex Lau</a><br>Conspirator/Marquis de Poivrard: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/7315">Charlotte Duckett</a><br>Conspirator: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/5424">Julia Niedermaier</a><br>Ivan the Czar: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/3595">Martin Geeson</a><br>Prince Paul Maraloffski: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/7008">John Trevithick</a><br>Prince Petrovitch: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/7848">bala</a><br>Narrator: <a href="http://librivox.org/reader/4174">Availle</a><br><br><strong>Audio edited by:</strong> Arielle Lipshaw

29House Of Pomegranates

By Oscar Wilde

A House of Pomegranates is a collection of fairy tales, written by Oscar Wilde, that was published as a second collection for The Happy Prince and Other Tales (1888). Wilde once said that this collection was "intended neither for the British child nor the British public." <br><br> The stories included in this collection are as follows:<br><br> The Young King<br><br> The Birthday of the Infanta<br><br> The Fisherman and his Soul<br><br> The Star-Child (Summary by Wikipedia)

30Lord Arthur Savile's Crime and Other Stories

By Oscar Wilde

Lord Arthur Savile's Crime and Other Stories is a collection of short semi-comic mystery stories. This collection exemplifies Wilde's sharp wit and dark humour. Stories in this collection include Lord Arthur Savile's Crime, The Canterville Ghost, The Sphinx Without a Secret, The Model Millionaire, and The Portrait Of Mr W H. (Summary by Wikipedia and Alex Lau)

31Happy Prince and Other Tales (version 4 dramatic reading)

By Oscar Wilde

Wilde's collection of fairy tales has delighted both children and adults since it was first published in 1888. It contains five stories, "The Happy Prince", "The Nightingale and the Rose", "The Selfish Giant", "The Devoted Friend", and "The Remarkable Rocket". The volunteers who lent their voices to this dramatic reading are <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/4174">Availle</a>, <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8470">Rebecca Braunert-Plunkett</a>, <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/5471">ElleyKat</a>, <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6544">Amanda Friday</a>, <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7679">Libby Gohn</a>, <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/1259">Elizabeth Klett</a>, <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/3536">Arielle Lipshaw</a>, <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6281">Beth Thomas</a>, and <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/6914">Katalina Watt</a>. (Summary by Charlotte Duckett)

32Märchen

By Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wildes Kunstmärchen bieten dem Leser (und Hörer) Zugang zu zauberhaften, filigran gestalteten Welten. Liebe, Leidenschaft, Aufopferung und Läuterung sind einige der vom Erzähler prachtvoll in Szene gesetzten Motive. Wildes Erzählungen spannen eine Bogen von augenzwinkernd-satirischer Gesellschaftkritik über philosophische Einsichten zu einem alles unterliegenden tiefgehenden Appell an die Menschlichkeit. (Zusammenfassung von GardenerOfStars)

33Importance of Being Earnest (Version 4)

By Oscar Wilde

This is a solo recording of the play, meaning that all parts including stage directions are performed by one person. LibriVox has three excellent dramatic recordings with all the parts played by different people so if that is more to your taste, please listen to them. <br /> Little needs to be said about the play itself, a sparkling example of Wilde's amazing ability to poke fun at almost everyone while making you laugh out loud at the witty sayings sprinkled throughout the acts. As to the plot, if you don't know it already, let me just say that it involves two young English men who fall madly and instantly in love with two young English.women who of course love them back mainly because their name is Earnest. Unfortunately, that is not their names and there are many bumps and crashes on the road to the happy wedding bells. I only hope I have done justice to this jewel of a play. Please listen and enjoy !

34Lady Windermere's Fan (Version 2)

By Oscar Wilde

Lady Windermere's Fan, A Play About a Good Woman is a four-act comedy by Oscar Wilde, first produced 22 February 1892 at the St James's Theatre in London. The play was first published in 1893. Like many of Wilde's comedies, it bitingly satirizes the morals of Victorian society, particularly marriage.<br /><br /> The story concerns Lady Windermere, who discovers that her husband may be having an affair with another woman. She confronts her husband but he instead invites the other woman, Mrs Erlynne, to his wife's birthday ball. Angered by her husband's unfaithfulness, Lady Windermere leaves her husband for another lover. Or does she? Is it really possible to trust delicious gossip? Are all men really bad? These and many other questions are raised and if not answered, then held up for public scrutiny in this biting satire of morals and proper behavior. The best known line of the play sums up the central theme:<br /><br /> We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.<br /> —Lord Darlington (from Wikipedia and the reader)

35Happy Prince and Other Tales (version 3)

By Oscar Wilde

A collection of five stories by Oscar Wilde, all incorporating his inimitable style and wit. Sometimes sweet and uplifting, sometimes caustic and pointed, they all are well worth listening to. The Happy Prince is a beautiful tale about a statue of a prince, but one who can now see his city and kingdom and the sadness of his people. With the help of a little swallow he does what he can to help others. The Nightingale and the Rose is a tale of self sacrifice, selfishness and misunderstanding. The Selfish Giant learns a valuable lesson about the laughter of children, The Devoted Friend is a caustic tale about false friendship, and The Remarkable Rocket explores the self delusion of people (and rockets) who think the world revolves around them. Summary by Phil chenevert

36Canterville Ghost (version 2)

By Oscar Wilde

A modern American family move into a traditionally drafty and very haunted English mansion. So far so good but anyone knowing Wilde can expect twists and turns to make it interesting. In this cast the crusty old ghost has a tough time convincing the family he exists and then in frightening them. This is extremely frustrating of course to him and as the protagonist of the story, takes matters (and non-matters) into his hands to deal with the upstart and irreverent new tenants. (phil chenevert)

37Charmides, and Other Poems

By Oscar Wilde

This is a volume of poetry by Oscar Wilde, containing some of his rather famous longer poetry in the first part, and a section of sonnets in the second part of the book. - Summary by Carolin

Complied by Thomas B. Mosher and released in 1906, this collection contains nearly every poem published by Oscar Wilde during his lifetime. From his Oxford undergrad days, through his rise to fame and scandal, all the way to his death, we witness an iconic author's evolution. <br /><br /> This work is derived from Wilde's first published piece, the 1878 Newdigate Prize-winning Ravenna, his 1881 poetry collection, and verses found in literary magazines and other publications.<br /> - Summary by Mary Kay

39Selected Poems of Oscar Wilde

By Robert Baldwin Ross and Oscar Wilde

This is a selection of the early poetry of Oscar Wilde, selected by Robert Ross. As he puts it, "It is thought that a selection from Oscar Wilde’s early verses may be of interest to a large public at present familiar only with the always popular Ballad of Reading Gaol, also included in this volume. The poems were first collected by their author when he was twenty-six years old, and though never, until recently, well received by the critics, have survived the test of NINE editions. Readers will be able to make for themselves the obvious and striking contrasts between these first and last phases of Oscar Wilde’s literary activity. The intervening period was devoted almost entirely to dramas, prose, fiction, essays, and criticism." - Summary by Carolin and Robert Ross

Oscar Wilde said of his story The Happy Prince that it was "an attempt to treat a tragic modern problem in a form that aims at delicacy and imaginative treatment; it is a reaction against the purely imitative character of modern art.” His Fairy Tales then were only partly written for children and as he said, "partly for those who have kept the childlike faculties of wonder and joy, and who find in simplicity a subtle strangeness".<br><br>In The Happy Prince and The Nightingale and the Rose, Wilde explores love and self sacrifice. The Selfish Giant will not let the children in his garden but repents and is redeemed. The Miller in the Devoted Friend is not only selfish but an egotistical hypocrite. The Remarkable Rocket is also a tale about egotism and conceit. (Summary by Noel Badrian)

A House of Pomegranates (1891) is the title of the second collection of Fairy Tales by Oscar Wilde. This book contains four tales: 1. "The Young King"; which is about taking responsibility. 2. "The Birthday of the Infanta"; a commentary on the unfeeling behaviour of the upper classes. 3. "The Fisherman and his Soul"; is about the triumph of love in adversity. And 4. "The Star-Child"; which is about responsibility and doing what is right despite the cost. - Summary by Noel Badrian

"Le Portrait de Dorian Gray" fut écrit et publié par Oscar Wilde en 1890 et révisé en 1891. Touchant des sujets philosophiques et fantastiques, Wilde révèle le côté décadent de l'époque Victorienne, touchant même au Satanisme, avec le jeune Dorian Gray, qui rend son âme à un portrait de lui-même, afin de ne jamais vieillir. En effet, Dorian reste toujours jeune, mais peu à peu, il perd son innocence et sa compassion. La beauté de sa figure ne change pas, mais le portrait commence à montrer l'aspect hideux qui a enveloppé son âme. Horrifié, il cache ce portrait, qui chaque jour, devient de plus en plus monstrueux. L'auteur introduit des questions de moralité, beauté, jeunesse, et l'hédonisme. Plusieurs de critiques contemporains de Wilde ont jugé son roman "répugnant." Cependant, ce titre reste jusqu'à nos jours une des oeuvres plus lues et plus aimées de la littérature anglaise. Cette traduction fut écrite par Eugène Tardieu, et publiée en 1920. - Summary by Linda Olsen Fitak

Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde, escritor, poeta y dramaturgo irlandés. Wilde está considerado como uno de los dramaturgos más destacados del Londres victoriano tardío; además, fue una celebridad de la época debido a su puntilloso y gran ingenio. - Summary by Phileas Fogg

44Ideal Husband (version 2)

By Oscar Wilde

The "Ideal Husband" of the title is Sir Robert Chiltern, with his equally upright wife Lady Chiltern. He has never committed a crime, never had a "past" and never bowed to corruption or influence, or so she thinks... The disreputable Mrs Cheveley is about to appear and try her hand at both politics and blackmail - can the Chilterns come through the encounter with both public and private honour intact? And what about Miss Mabel Chiltern's roguish beau, Lord Goring? What does he have to do with all of this? <br /><br /> Oscar Wilde's witty comedy of manners, trust and politics shows human nature in a typically merciless light. The main themes are blackmail, political corruption and the uses and abuses of power both in politics and in private life. Quote from the play: “It takes great deal of courage to see the world in all its tainted glory, and still to love it.” (Summary by Beth Thomas) <br><br> Cast List: <br>The Earl of Caversham: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7170">Alan Mapstone</a><br>Vicount Goring: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8164">Rob Marland</a><br>Sir Robert Chiltern: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10789">Tomas Peter</a><br>Lady Chiltern: <a href="https://librivox.org/sections/readers/6281">Beth Thomas</a><br>Mrs Cheveley: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11417">Eva Davis</a><br>Miss Mabel Chiltern: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/10614">Leanne Yau</a><br>Lady Markby: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11790">TJ Burns</a><br>Lady Basildon: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/12500">Foon</a><br>Mrs Marchmont: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/12207">Hope K</a><br>Vicomte de Nanjac: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11585">Kurt</a><br>Mr Montford/Harold: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11651">DrPGould</a><br>Mason: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/9929">Zames Curran</a><br>Phipps: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/11535">Nemo</a><br>Narration read by: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/12075">MichaelMaggs</a><br><br><b>Audio edited by: </b><a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8164">Rob Marland</a>

While at Trinity Collage, Wilde obtained a reputation for clever repartee and keen wit. He affected a superior air in his manners which irritated his fellow undergraduates, so that he once became the object of their practical joking. While at Oxford Wilde made his first essay in public as a writer by contributing several poems to Dublin magazines. - Temple Scott from the Introduction to <i>Poems by Oscar Wilde</i> (1906)

46Fisherman and His Soul (Version 2)

By Oscar Wilde

To get what we want is often the greatest curse of all. The fisherman here accidentally catches a mermaid in his net. He falls in love with the Mermaid and tells her that he wants to marry her. She tells him that he can only marry her if he sends away his soul. From a Witch, the Fisherman learns how to send his soul away. The Soul makes several attempts to persuade the Fisherman to take him back, eventually convincing him to do so with the tale of a beautiful dancer who lives nearby. Too late does the Fisherman discover that the soul which he sent out into the world without a heart has become evil. So be careful what you set your heart on. This story was first published in 1896 in the book A House of Pomegranates. - Summary by phil chenevert

A compendium of Oscar Wilde's wit, including some of his most famous epigrams as well as unpublished quotations supplied by his friends. The book is formatted as a calendar, with one saying for each day of the year, and was edited by Wildean scholar, Stuart Mason (born Christopher Sclater Millard). - Summary by Rob Marland

48Poems

By Lady Jane Francesca Wilde

Jane Wilde, the mother of Oscar Wilde, was an Irish poet who wrote under the pen name Speranza. She was politically active as an Irish nationalist, a passion which may be seen in her writing. <i>Poems</i> is a collection of her poetic works. (Summary by Julian Pratley)

‘La Decadencia de la Mentira‘ forma, junto con otros títulos, la biblioteca de ensayos de este importante escritor victoriano. En ella, Wilde se sirve de una fructuosa conversación entre dos amigos, los sagaces Cyril y Vivián, para entonar una apología del esteticismo y del “arte por el arte”.<br> Aterrizando en las entrañas de Vivián, Wilde transmite una poderosa crítica contra la naturaleza y la realidad. Inquiere en que estas destruyen cualquier intento de manifestación del arte, pues ambas tratan de concebirlo sin servirse de la belleza, apartándola de su lado. De hecho y según él, el auténtico y verdadero arte reside en el esteticismo producto de la imaginación del hombre, la cual es esencialmente creadora y busca siempre formas nuevas. - Summary by Phileas Fogg

This first collection of the correspondence of Oscar Wilde begins with the Irish playwright's earliest extant letter, thanking his mother for the hamper she had sent to him at school. It includes letters about his travels in Italy, his American lecture tour, the staging of his first play (Vera, or the Nihilists), arrangements for the publication of a friend's poetry collection, and exchanges in the press with artist James McNeill Whistler. The letters, some of which have been excerpted or redacted, are sourced from auction catalogues, newspapers, biographies, and other texts in the public domain. For a complete collection of Wilde's letters, please see "The Complete Letters of Oscar Wilde," (2000) edited by Merlin Holland and Rupert Hart-Davis. - Summary by Rob Marland