The Canterville Ghost
The Canterville Ghost is a short story by Oscar Wilde originally published in 1887 in a magazine in two installments and later published as a book in a collection of short stories.
The Otis are an American family who acquire the ancient castle of the Cantervilles. From their first visit to the castle with the current and elderly owner, they are warned that a specter has lived in it for a long time: the ghost of Lord Simon Canterville.
The family is not scared and they buy the castle with a ghost included, and end up subjugating the poor anachronistic specter, who ends up being a toy and victim of the two terrible children of the family.
It has been adapted for stage and screen several times. The Canterville Ghost is perhaps Oscar Wilde's best-known and most celebrated story.
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Public domain (US)·No sign-up·DRM-free·Real text, not scans
Copyright note. The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde is believed to be in the public domain in the United States only. It may still be copyrighted in other countries. If you are not in the United States, please check your local laws to ensure this eBook is in the public domain in your country before downloading The Canterville Ghost in PDF or EPUB.
- Pages
- 47
- Reading time
- 59 minutes
- Pace
- Intermediate
- First published
- 1887
- Language
- English
- Downloads
- 4,660
139 years later, still timely
Why Read The Canterville Ghost in 2026?
A haunted house meets a modern family that refuses to be afraid. Wilde uses jokes, gadgets, and good manners to turn fear into empathy. It is a ghost story that becomes a kindness story, with transatlantic satire along the way. Perfect aloud; scenes are brisk, quotable, and friendly to younger readers.
Today's connection
Timely for conversations about cynicism and compassion. The comedy shows how practical people can dismiss mystery yet still help a restless soul. It also pokes fun at national stereotypes without meanness, making it easy to teach or share.
Culture-clash satire
Rationalism bumps into old manners—lightly and wittily.
Kindness as cure
Help accomplishes what tricks and threats cannot.
Family-friendly fun
Clean humor, quick scenes, gentle chills.
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About the author
Oscar Wilde
Paradox with poise; style used as ethics, defense, and delight in public life.
