Oscar Wilde

Light Paperback (1 lb or less)

New Jersey

This Prestwick House Literary Touchstone Edition? includes a glossary and reader?s notes to help the modern reader contend with Wilde?s many allusions and his complex approach to the human condition.Oscar Wilde?s only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, first appeared in 1891. Dorian Gray, a handsome young man, falls in with a group of ?friends,? whose amoral philosophies he finds quite appealing. After he has his portrait painted, his frivolity and general demeanor degenerate into wickedness, but only the portrait bears the effects of his descent into decadence and serves as a powerful symbol of Gray?s internal ruin. Dorian himself, however, remains as young and unspoiled as the day he first sat for the painting. Wilde?s exploration of life without limits or consequences shocked its late-Victorian audience and remains highly un-settling to modern readers. We, like Dorian, are forced to reconsider whether total freedom and absolute knowledge are really worth their costs.

The Picture of Dorain Gray - Literary Touchstone Edition

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PangoBooks readers find the book captivating yet complex, showcasing brilliant writing and iconic characters. Many appreciate its compelling exploration of themes like class, privilege, and the nuances of romantic love, particularly in a same-sex context. While some feel the latter half of the book drags, the first half is widely praised for its intrigue. It’s frequently described as dark, beautiful, haunting, and thought-provoking, fitting well within the dark academia genre. Overall, it's celebrated for its classic status, rich prose, and deep, troubling narrative on the corruption of the soul.

Camille Cauti

New York

The handsome appearance of dissolute young Dorian Gray remains unchanged while the features in his portrait become distorted as his degeneration progresses.

The Picture of Dorian Gray

First published in 1890, The Picture of Dorian Gray tells the story of a young man named Dorian Gray, who is the subject of a portrait painted by artist Basil Hallward. Upon seeing the finished portrait, Dorian wishes that he could remain young and beautiful forever while the portrait ages instead of him. As Dorian indulges in a hedonistic lifestyle, his outward appearance remains unblemished while the portrait reflects his moral and physical degradation. The novel explores themes of vanity, morality, and the consequences of living a life without consequences.

Category - Fiction / Classics

Format - Paperback

Condition - Good

Listed - 7 months ago

Views - 16

Wishes - 1

Ships From - New Jersey

Est. Publication Date - Jan 2005