The Happy Prince (1913) – by Oscar Wilde, illustrated by Charles Robinson
This enchanting 1913 edition of Oscar Wilde’s beloved fairy tale The Happy Prince is adorned with the delicate and emotive illustrations of Charles Robinson. Published by Duckworth & Co. in London, the book pairs Wilde’s poignant story of sacrifice and compassion with Robinson’s tender, Art Nouveau-inspired artwork. His illustrations—soft watercolors and intricate pen-and-ink drawings—capture the melancholy beauty of the gilded statue and the loyal swallow, while the ornate borders and decorative details reflect the tale’s timeless, dreamlike quality. Robinson’s work elevates Wilde’s prose into a visual symphony of sorrow and redemption.
A masterpiece of early 20th-century book art, this Robinson-illustrated edition remains a touching tribute to Wilde’s literary genius and the power of illustration to deepen storytelling.
About the Illustrator
Charles Robinson (1870–1937) was a prominent British illustrator of the Golden Age, known for his lyrical and decorative style. The brother of illustrators Thomas and William Heath Robinson, he brought a unique sensitivity to children’s literature, with notable works including A Child’s Garden of Verses (1895) and The Secret Garden (1911). His illustrations for The Happy Prince showcase his gift for blending whimsy with profound emotion, making him an ideal interpreter of Wilde’s bittersweet allegory.
Recommended for Collectors
- A House of Pomegranates (1914) by Oscar Wilde, illustrated by Jessie M. King – Another Wilde fairy tale collection with Art Nouveau flair
- The Blue Fairy Book (1889) by Andrew Lang, illustrated by H.J. Ford – For classic Victorian fairy-tale artistry
- The Little Prince (1943) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry – A later spiritual cousin to Wilde’s tale of love and loss
Other books illustrated by Charles Robinson available in our gallery: The Secret Garden, The Big Book of Fairy Tales, Bee, Princess of the Dwarfs, Margaret’s Book, Our Sentimental Garden, Songs and Sonnets.
Art Gallery: Charles Robinson – The Happy Prince 1913
