The Canterville Ghost è un celebre racconto giovanile di Oscar Wilde del 1887 di genere fantastico umoristico. Pubblicato per la prima volta sulla rivista ‘The Court and Society Review’, il racconto ebbe un enorme successo e alcuni elementi della storia sono entrati nell’immaginario popolare. Del racconto sono stati realizzati numerosissimi adattamenti per il cinema, la televisione e il teatro.
(con audio)
Chapter 1
When Mr. Hiram B. Otis, the American Minister, bought Canterville Chase, every one told him he was doing a very foolish thing, as there was no doubt at all that the place was haunted…
Chapter 2
The storm raged fiercely all that night, but nothing of particular note occurred. The next morning, however, when they came down to breakfast, they found the terrible stain of blood once again on the floor...
Chapter 3
The next morning, when the Otis family met at breakfast, they discussed the ghost at some length. The United States Minister was naturally a little annoyed to find that his present had not been accepted…
Chapter 4
The next day the ghost was very weak and tired. The terrible excitement of the last four weeks was beginning to have its effect. His nerves were completely shattered, and he started at the slightest noise…
Chapter 5
A few days after this, Virginia and her curly-haired cavalier went out riding on Brockley meadows, where she tore her habit so badly in getting through a hedge, that, on their return home…
Chapter 6
About ten minutes later, the bell rang for tea, and, as Virginia did not come down, Mrs. Otis sent up one of the footmen to tell her. After a little time he returned and said that he could not find Miss Virginia anywhere…
Chapter 7
Four days after these curious incidents a funeral started from Canterville Chase at about eleven o’clock at night. The hearse was drawn by eight black horses, each of which carried on its head a great tuft of nodding ostrich-plumes…