"The happy prince is arguably the most famous and well loved of Oscar Wilde's nine fairy tales, rivaled only by The selfish giant. It is also a very timely tale at a time of controversy over the increasing chasm between rich and poor...The happy prince has lived a life of opulence but has died young and his soul inhabits a beautiful ruby encrusted statue covered in gold leaf. From his perch high above the city he is witness to all the poverty, misery, and hopelessness in which his people have been living. This is the story of his ultimate sacrifice on behalf of his people"--P. [4] of cover.