Stephen Fry Presents: Oscar Wilde's Stories For All Ages

Volume 1

By: Oscar Wilde

Narrated by: Stephen Fry

Length: 2 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

"Oscar Wilde's Fairy Tales continue to exert the same pull over the imagination and emotions as they did when he first read them to his children in the 1880s. Written with inspired poetic intensity and sudden flowerings of the matchless wit for which he is so well remembered, the stories combine the wisdom of parables with the impact of drama. I have loved them since I was a child: indeed they continue to make a child of me. I do not mind admitting that at the recording some passages were hard to read out loud without choking. I hope you will be as entranced by them as I have always been." written by Stephen Fry.

©2008 SamFry Limited (P)2008 HarperCollins Publishers

Magnifico!

Fry interpreta a la perfección las historias, llenas de sabiduría y humanidad. Wilde siempre un portento. Sabiduría infinita en pequeñas dosis

Well-Told Stories

Stephen Fry Presents: Oscar Wilde's Stories For All Ages is a captivating bridge between Oscar Wilde's timeless literary craftsmanship and Stephen Fry's unparalleled narrative passion, creating an auditory feast that delights listeners of every age. This collection, featuring tales such as "The Happy Prince," "The Nightingale and the Rose," "The Selfish Giant," "The Devoted Friend," and "The Remarkable Rocket," is enriched immeasurably by Fry's vibrant narration. His delivery brings Wilde's characters to life with such enthusiasm and depth that it's as if they are speaking directly to the listener, dancing through their tales of wisdom, wit, and wonder. Fry's ability to capture the essence of Wilde’s humor and the profound morals embedded in these stories transforms each piece into an immersive experience, showcasing the timeless relevance of Wilde’s themes of kindness, beauty, and the complexities of human nature.

The selection of stories in this audiobook is a testament to Wilde’s genius in crafting narratives that blend fantastical elements with poignant, universal truths. "The Happy Prince" and "The Selfish Giant," for example, are not merely tales for children but profound reflections on compassion, sacrifice, and redemption that resonate with adults. Stephen Fry’s narration adds a layer of warmth and insight to these narratives, making the morals and messages of Wilde’s work all the more impactful. His presentation ensures that the irony and wit of Wilde’s prose are as compelling to today’s listeners as they were to readers in Wilde’s own time, highlighting the enduring power of well-told stories to inspire and entertain.

In essence, Stephen Fry Presents: Oscar Wilde's Stories For All Ages is more than just an audiobook; it's an invitation to explore the depth and richness of Oscar Wilde's vision through the lens of Stephen Fry’s spirited narration. The blend of Fry's empathetic voice with Wilde's storytelling prowess creates an enchanting listening experience that leaves a lasting impression. As the final story fades, the listener is left longing for more, a testament to the collection's ability to engage and captivate. This audiobook stands as a vibrant celebration of storytelling, showcasing how tales crafted in the past can continue to enlighten, amuse, and inspire, transcending age and time.

Oscar Wilde's Short Stories

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely! It is awesome, done by Stephen Fry, and the stories hold your interest to the last.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Stephen Fry Presents a Selection of Oscar Wilde's Short Stories?

When the little fellow does all of the good deeds for the selfish man and he has no appreciation at all. Still the little has no animosity and goes on to the end doing good deeds.

Have you listened to any of Stephen Fry’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes! Sherlock Holmes. Nothing compares to Stephen Fry' rendition of Sherlock Holmes!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, it was very short. You could read it to a child for a bedtime story.

Fantastic

Wilde's bittersweet legends are filled with beauty, gentle humor, and human and social themes. Fry's reading is spectacular.
The only problem is that the last second or so of every story is cut off.

Nice job Stephen...

Where does Stephen Fry Presents a Selection of Oscar Wilde's Short Stories rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

About in the middle

What did you like best about this story?

My first exposure to Oscar Wilde. These stories were entertaining but more than a little heavy headed in their tone. Wilde beat his audience over the head with his points at every turn.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Stephen Fry did a great job emoting for these fables.

Any additional comments?

The editing was not so good. Played on an iPhone, each successive story began at virtually the same instant the last ended. No pause at all, as if the title of story N was part of the last sentence of story N-1.

Stephen Fry is the best!

There is indeed a lot of wisdom for our modem times in these fairy tales.

Unexpected

Would you listen to Stephen Fry Presents a Selection of Oscar Wilde's Short Stories again? Why?

I'm not sure if I would listen again. I love listening to Stephen Fry, regardless of what he's reading, really. But the tone of this collection of short stories left me in a peculiar mood. I was not very familiar with much of Wilde's work, I have read one or two plays, but never his stories like these. They were fable-like, contained lots of moral lessons...but not in your usual bedtime story or fairytale manner. They were portrayed in a very cynical, pessimistic, sometimes almost defeated sounding way. If the author wrote them intending a commentary on the degradation of society and drowning out of innocent good in the world, lost to pompery and selfishness, he succeeded in sharing his disillusionment.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

They were interesting to me because they made me experience a new emotional reaction, and a memorable one because it defied my expectations. Every one of the stories had incredible imagery, and painted scenes more real and often more heart-wrenching than your average short-story. Though they contained vivid characters, both noble and ridiculous, and good stories, they left me feeling a little unfulfilled in their conclusions because though the plots formed and progressed and ended, for the most part they don't follow a satisfying pattern of problems being solved, protagonists succeeding, antagonists becoming enlightened and changing their ways, and good triumphing over evil.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Really, every story moved me, but the two that have struck me the most and pulled at my heart-strings still, days and days after listening, were the moments of the self-sacrifice of the birds in both "The Happy Prince" and "The Nightingale and The Rose", both for the good of a man/mankind, and both unappreciated by the world.

Fantastic for the whole family!

These stories are fabulous for trips, sparking lots of family conversations. Stephen Fry is terrific as the haughty miller!

Why did I stop listening after two stories?

Any additional comments?

I really liked the first two stories. The narration is definitely ok. But still, I was not hungry for more than those two first fairy tales. To me, Oscar Wilde will always be the author of 'Dorian Gray', not the man of the short stories.