The Canterville Ghost
First published in 1887, ‘The Canterville Ghost’ tells the tale of a malicious ghost who discovers there is no peace to be found when a rumbustious American family takes over his ancestral home—written by Oscar Wilde, an Irish poet, and playwright. After writing in different forms throughout the 1880s, he became one of the most popular playwrights in London in the early 1890s. A frightening ghost is tormenting the ancient mansion of Canterville Chase, complete with creaking floorboards, clanking chains, and gruesome disguises – but the new occupants seem strangely undisturbed by his presence. Deftly contrasting the conventional gothic ghost story with the pragmatism of the modern world, Wilde creates a gently comic fable of the conflict between old and new.
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About the Author
Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde was an Irish playwright, poet, and author of numerous short stories, and one novel. Known for his biting wit, and a plentitude of aphorisms, he became one of the most successful playwrights of the late Victorian era in London, and one of the greatest celebrities of his day. Several of his plays continue to be widely performed, especially The Importance of Being Earnest.
As the result of a widely covered series of trials, Wilde suffered a dramatic downfall and was imprisoned for two years hard labour after being convicted of "gross indecency" with other men. After Wilde was released from prison he set sail for Dieppe by the night ferry. He never returned to Ireland or Britain, and died in poverty.