• Book cover of 'The Canterville Ghost' by Oscar Wilde with a candle and smoke on a black background.
  • Text on a black background with a white number '1' at the top
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The Canterville Ghost (Large Print)

The Canterville Ghost (Large Print)

by Oscar Wilde

$41.99
$41.99
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"We have really everything in common with America nowadays, except, of course, language."

Oscar Wilde's delightful ghost story gets the dark mode treatment it deserves. Reading about a hapless British ghost trying to scare an unimpressed American family on black pages just feels right—there's something about Wilde's wit paired with our reverse printing that makes this short novel even more enjoyable. It's funny, charming, and surprisingly touching, all wrapped up in about 80 pages.

Illustration of a person falling from a wooden platform into a snowy landscape, with another figure in the background.

"He met with a severe fall" – Illustration by Wallace Goldsmith of the effects of a butter slide set up by the twins as part of their campaign of practical jokes against the ghost.

About The Canterville Ghost

What's it about? An American family moves into Canterville Chase, a haunted English manor, and completely refuses to be scared by Sir Simon, the ghost who's been haunting the place for 300 years. While the ghost tries every trick in his supernatural playbook, the practical Americans respond with stain remover for his blood spots and oil for his clanking chains. What starts as comedy becomes something more as the ghost's tragic backstory unfolds and the family's young daughter, Virginia, shows him unexpected kindness.

Why it matters: Published in 1887, this novella shows Wilde at his wittiest, poking fun at both British aristocracy and American pragmatism. It's also one of the first stories to present a ghost as sympathetic rather than purely frightening. Beyond that, it's just genuinely entertaining—Wilde's humor holds up remarkably well, and the story balances laughs with genuine heart.

Perfect for:

  • Fans of Oscar Wilde's wit and writing style
  • Readers who enjoy ghost stories with humor
  • Anyone looking for a quick, delightful classic
  • Gift-seekers wanting something unique but accessible
  • Young adult readers (it's appropriate for all ages)
  • People who love Victorian literature but want something lighter
  • Those building their classic short fiction collection

Why This Dark Edition is Different

  • Large, easy-to-read text

    20-point font makes this accessible for readers who need larger print

  • Perfect for comfortable reading

    High contrast between white text and black pages reduces eye strain

  • Fits the spooky-but-funny tone

    Dark pages add atmosphere without taking away from Wilde's humor

  • Great for gifting

    Beautiful design with reader-friendly formatting

  • Stands out in collections

    A less common title in a truly unique format

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Two Editions to Choose From

Both editions give you the complete novella—perfect for an afternoon or evening of reading.

Each edition includes:

  • Complete, unabridged text (117 pages)
  • Reverse-printed pages with white text on black background
  • Large 20-point font for comfortable reading
  • Quality binding for easy handling
  • Matte-finish cover
  • US Trade size (6 × 9 in | 152 × 229 mm)
  • Our satisfaction guarantee

  • Collector’s Edition (Hardcover / 80# Coated Paper)

    • Paper: 80# coated stock for crisp text and longevity
    • Binding: Hardcover construction worthy of a classic
    • Best for: Serious collectors, gifts, and permanent libraries

  • Reader’s Edition (Paperback / 60# Uncoated Paper)

    • Paper: 60# uncoated for traditional reading feel
    • Binding: Paperback flexibility for comfortable reading
    • Best for: First-time Dark Edition readers and students

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