The Canterville Ghost
Complete textAn American family buys an English country house despite warnings that it is haunted. The resident ghost expects his familiar methods to terrify the newcomers, but their practical responses and irreverent children make haunting a surprisingly difficult occupation in his own ancestral rooms.
Continue readingAbout The Canterville Ghost
Wilde begins with a comic reversal of the haunted-house story: the apparition suffers the indignities that should belong to his victims. Contrasting national habits keep the encounters lively, while a quieter register gradually emerges around suffering and compassion. The blend allows the supernatural premise to carry both mockery and tenderness.
Reading focus
Enjoy a haunted-house comedy in which practical Americans unsettle an English ghost and make room for an unexpected note of compassion.
This reading edition contains 11,292 words in 7 original sections. Read the text online with adjustable type and three colour themes, or keep a printable PDF.
Author: Oscar Wilde. Language: English. Reading edition: 28 October 2026.
Opening excerpt
When Mr. Hiram B. Otis, the American Minister, bought Canterville Chase, every one told him he was doing a very foolish thing, as there was no doubt at all that the place was haunted. Indeed, Lord Canterville himself, who was a man of the most punctilious honour, had felt it his duty to mention the fact to Mr. Otis when they came to discuss terms.
Contents
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Is this the complete The Canterville Ghost?
This edition contains the complete English literary text, with 7 sections and 11,292 words. This reading edition preserves the checked English text and its section order. No study notes have been added.
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