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On Murder Considered as One of the Fine Arts

By Thomas De Quincey
Penguin Classics
Series: Penguin Little Black 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
On Murder Considered as One of the Fine Arts by Thomas De Quincey is a satirical essay that explores the act of murder from a humorous and aesthetic perspective. The narrative delves into how society can sometimes perversely romanticise the concept of murder when detached from its moral implications. De Quincey presents this examination through the guise of fictional lectures from a "murder club," offering a unique take on crime and morality.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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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?

You might enjoy this book if you're intrigued by dark humour and philosophical reflections on crime as an art form. With its satirical take on society's fascination with the macabre, it offers a unique perspective that's both thought-provoking and entertaining. The blend of wit and deep moral questions makes it particularly appealing to those who appreciate classic literature with an unconventional twist.

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Considers murder in a purely aesthetic light and explains how practically every philosopher over the past two hundred years has been murdered - 'insomuch, that if a man calls himself a philosopher, and never had his life attempted, rest assured there is nothing in him'.

The provocative early-nineteenth-century essayist casts a blackly comic eye over the aesthetics of murder through the ages.

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

Little Black Classics - the new series to celebrate Penguin's 80th anniversary

On Murder Considered as One of the Fine Arts explores the macabre world of murder as an art form. The author enthralls readers with his satirical and darkly humorous discourse.

'People begin to see that something more goes to the composition of a fine murder than two blockheads to kill and be killed – a knife – a purse – and a dark lane.'

Series: Penguin Little Black Classics

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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?

On Murder Considered as One of the Fine Arts by Thomas De Quincey is often celebrated for its dark humour and intelligent satire. The book provides a unique perspective on humanity's fascination with violence, blending philosophical musings with a touch of absurdity. De Quincey’s writing style is praised for its wit and depth, engaging readers with its blend of fictional accounts and intellectual discourse on the nature of crime.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141397887

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 February 2015

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 5.0mm

Width: 111.0mm

Height: 161.0mm

Weight: 53g

Pages: 64

Collections

Classic Fiction Classic General Fiction Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics Penguin Classics: General Fiction Series: Penguin Little Black Classics Thomas De Quincey

About the Author

Thomas de Quincey (1785-1859). Thomas de Quincey's Confessions and an English Opium-Eater and Other Writings is available in Penguin Classics.

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