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The Picture of Dorian Gray

By Oscar Wilde
Series: Signature Classics
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, a young and handsome man named Dorian Gray becomes entranced by a portrait of himself painted by Basil Hallward. Influenced by the hedonistic Lord Henry, Dorian wishes to remain as youthful and attractive as the painting, leading to a life of indulgence and moral corruption while his portrait bears the marks of his aging and sins. Wilde's novel explores themes of beauty, vanity, and the interplay between art and reality.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy stories exploring themes of beauty, morality, and the consequences of a hedonistic lifestyle. With its intriguing blend of gothic elements and philosophical insights, Wilde's narrative delves into the darker side of human nature, making it a captivating read for those who appreciate rich, memorable characters and thought-provoking plots.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

When handsome young Dorian Gray sees a painter's stunning portrait of him, he is transfixed by its reflection of his own beauty. He is also troubled by the knowledge that the image in the painting will remain forever youthful and handsome while he himself will grow older and less desirable.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Discover the story of The Picture of Dorian Gray with this striking collector's edition from Union Square & Co.'s Signature Editions series! The classic texts that shaped our culture feature exclusive cover art by distinguished artist Malika Favre. Her bold, graphic style gives each classic literature book a small masterpiece for a jacket. Collect the set or prize this The Picture of Dorian Gray special edition as your showpiece literary classic.

Handsome young Dorian Gray sees a painter's stunning portrait of him and becomes transfixed by his own beauty. Troubled by the knowledge that the painting will remain handsome while he himself will wither, Dorian exchanges his soul for eternal youth. From that point on, Dorian lives a life of hedonistic indulgence, knowing that only the painting will show his moral corruption.

Literary history and meaning: The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde, was first published in 1890. Wilde's first and only novel delivers a scathing critique of Victorian society's superficial judgments and hypocrisy. The novel provokes philosophical thought on the duality of human nature and the ethical consequences of surrendering to one's baser instincts. Though controversial in its time, The Picture of Dorian Gray continues to be a celebrated literary work and it resonates with twenty-first century readers, posing questions about who we are versus how we present ourselves in our social profiles, online and offline, and the high cost of prioritising image over ethics.

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    Handsome young Dorian Gray sees a painter’s stunning portrait of him and becomes transfixed by his own beauty. Troubled by the knowledge that the painting will remain handsome while he himself will wither, Dorian exchanges his soul for eternal youth. From that point on, Dorian lives a life of hedonistic indulgence, knowing that only the painting will show his moral...
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    Discover the story of The Picture of Dorian Gray with this striking collector's edition from Union Square & Co.'s Signature Editions series! The classic texts that shaped our culture feature exclusive cover art by distinguished artist Malika Favre. Her bold, graphic style gives each classic literature book a small masterpiece for a jacket. Collect the set or prize this The...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is often praised for its exploration of aestheticism, moral corruption, and the duality of human nature. Readers frequently appreciate Wilde's witty prose and the philosophical depth woven throughout the narrative. However, some reviews note that the moral ambiguity and complex character dynamics can be challenging, yet these elements also enhance the novel's timeless appeal and provoke thought.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781435172500

Publisher: Union Square & Co.

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 05 April 2022

Country: United States

Imprint: Union Square & Co.

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 133.0mm

Height: 203.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 224

Collections

Classic Fiction Classic General Fiction Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Most Popular Books of All Time Oscar Wilde Series: Signature Classics

About the Author

Oscar Wilde (1854 1900) was a renowned novelist, short story writer, essayist, playwright, and poet whose work was associated with the Aesthetes and Decadents movement of the late 19th century.

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