Those people who have known Oscar Wilde only as an eccentric esthete, writing 'soulfully intense' poetry, may perhaps be surprised to learn that he possesses true literary ability, which has shown itself from time to time in some really excellent work. Under the title of 'The Happy Prince, and Other Tales', he has presented a collection of short fairy stories, some of which deserve to be classed with the best that has ever been written in that line. The style is excellent and the thought full of refinement, which finds expression in beautiful language. Perhaps the two most charming stories are the first one, which gives its name to the volume, and another, called 'The Selfish Giant'. The book is attractively bound in cloth covers of dainty coloring, and its artistic and appropriate illustrations, by Walter Craine and Jacomb Hood, add much to its value and beauty.