The illustrators
This post is dedicated in memory of my cousin, David Lee Porter, who loved all things Oscar Wilde, and whose wit, humor and courageous ability to be completely and utterly himself, is sorely missed.
This website might not have existed without his confidence in this idea, and in me.
And to his mother, Darlyne Porter, (my energetic aunt who bakes the best bread in the entire world) and who first read this beautiful classic to me when I was a child, I send my love and hugs.
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Below are several stand-alone versions of Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant for your perusal; I have pictured the unabridged versions with apple, pear and lilac trees, all in bloom.
The post heading, and the retellings, were pictured at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, in front of Thomas Dambo’s Guardians of the Seeds – natural sculptures of giant trolls. The particular “giant troll” I used was Roskva, who symbolizes the tree trunk. To meet the other giant trolls, visit here.
For some history on the illustration of The Selfish Giant, see conclusion below.
Michael Foreman and Freire Wright
Freire Wright’s dreamy watercolors combine with Michael Foreman’s unique style to create adornment that pays homage to Wilde’s tale that is so steeped in magical realism. For more work by Michael Foreman, see his version of Peter Pan or A Christmas Carol.
Methuen, 1978
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∞ Abebooks
Lisbeth Zwerger
One of the finest contemporary illustrators of children’s literature, Viennese artist Lisbeth Zwerger uses simplicity and light color tones to capture the important moments. For more of Zwerger’s illustrated classics, see my posts on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Little Mermaid or A Christmas Carol.
Neugebauer Press, 1984
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∞ Abebooks
S. Saelig Gallagher
S. Saelig Gallagher uses perspective, shadow and light to depict a childlike sense of wonder and joy. She is an illustrator who entered the world of illustration with Moonhorse by Mary Pope Osborne and has taken on other projects in children’s classic literature such as The Secret Garden.
*Lilac
G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1995
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∞ Abebooks
Chris Beatrice
Every time I do one of these posts I find a surprise: an edition where the cover does not do justice to the interior artwork! This version, illustrated by Chris Beatrice, looks underwhelming at first, but open the pages and you will be stunned.
This version has the added wonderment of an accompanied musical adaptation by Dan Goeller included on CD.
Noteworthy Books, 2010
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Ritva Voutila
Look closely at the Giant’s hands as he lifts the boy into the tree, and you will notice that the boy is invisible, suggesting, as no other version has, that the boy could only be seen by the Giant.
These illustrations by Finland-born, Australia-residing illustrator Ritva Voutila are soulful, elegant masterpieces of Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant. Her intricate, larger-than-a-page oil paintings took her over a year to complete.
An edition I am proud to have on my bookshelves.
Allen & Unwin, 2012
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Jeanne Bowman
A thoroughly modern, delightful version, I especially love the bunny pajamas the giant wears! This one is full of that type of detail! Other examples are the reflection of the boy in the giant’s glasses or the “See You Later Alligator” on the bus the Giant takes to return home. Kids will have so much fun with this one!
Familius, 2019
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Retellings
Fabian Negrin
Argentina-raised, now living in Italy, Fabian Negrin studied art in Mexico City and the uniqueness of his style reflects his unique background. Fiona Waters delivers a retelling that is full of lively detail, and together they weave a version that is lush and mesmerizing.
Alfred A. Knopf, 1999
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∞ Abebooks
Bill Bell
This retelling by Mary Hollingsworth, author of over 100 children’s books, stays very close to the original version and is illustrated in brightness through and through. It’s the happiest interpretation of a soulful story! Bill Bell’s illustrations are detailed and have a touch of impressionism about them.
Lionheart Books, 2001, 2013
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∞ Abebooks
Alexis Deacon
If you are on the lookout for a version of The Selfish Giant that omits the giant’s death and/or the religious tone of the ending, this would be a great choice. It ends with the newly unselfish giant playing happily in the garden with the children.
You may recognize London-based illustrator Alexis Deacon’s work from Beegu or Slow Loris. He uses a fine liner mixed with a split-ended brush to create wonderfully imaginative drawings and each turn of the page draws the eye to something that must be either accepted or explained.
Hutchinson, 2013
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Graphic Novel
P. Craig Russell
Cincinnati artist Phillip Craig Russell is a pioneer of classic-to-graphic novels, with his signature fine-lined realistic style. I adore the transitions between his slides; a director of film photography could use this book!
He has created graphic novelizations of Oscar Wilde’s other works – this one also features Oscar Wilde’s The Star Child, but for another title, see The Happy Prince.
Nantier Beall Minoustchine, 1992
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Interesting Vintage Versions
Robert Quackenbush (1965)
I love this one! Has a somewhat familiar quality to it. Perhaps because Robert Quackenbush illustrated over 200 children's books.
Pablo Ramirez (1965)
Pablo Ramirez has illustrated several classics, both Spanish and English versions. In addition to his The Selfish Giant, Check out his Thumbelina or Ali-Baba.
Herbert Danska (1964)
Herbert Danska illustrated many children's books, including "The Real Book of American Tall Tales" and "Over the Blue Mountain". He also directed/produced a few films: Right on! (1970), Sweet Love, Bitter (1967) and The Gift (1962). I find his style very eye-catching and familiar, so just had to include his version of 'The Selfish Giant'.
Others
Look for these on Amazon, Etsy, Ebay, Alibris Books, Abebooks, or find them on internet archives or from your local bookstore or library!
Conclusion
The Selfish Giant was published in May of 1888 along with several other fairytales by Oscar Wilde in a collection titled The Happy Prince and Other Tales and was illustrated by the great Walter Crane, a master of Golden Age illustration. Charles Robinson, Jessie Wilcox Smith and Arthur Rackham also graced Golden-Age versions of this story collection with their splendid illustrations.
Another version of the collected stories of note was by Kate Seredy, in 1935.
However, this post is a focus on the stand-alone versions of The Selfish Giant (I will explore the illustrators of the fairytale collection at a later date).
I have tried to discover the first illustrated stand-alone version of The Selfish Giant and have not been able to find anything definitive; Mary Fidelis-Todd’s 1954 version (see “Other” section above) is the earliest I’ve come across so far. I will keep searching and update if ever I find an earlier version, so be sure to check back (or let me know if you are aware of an earlier stand-alone “Selfish Giant”!)
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I hope you have enjoyed exploring the illustrators of the standalone version of Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant with me.
In Memory of David Lee Porter 1962 - 2022
