Oscar. Wilde

Jeffrey Eugenides

Light Paperback (1 lb or less)

Illinois

Introduction by Jeffrey Eugenides • Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read Written in his distinctively dazzling manner, Oscar Wilde’s story of a fashionable young man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty is the author’s most popular work. The tale of Dorian Gray’s moral disintegration caused a scandal when it ﬁrst appeared in 1890, but though Wilde was attacked for the novel’s corrupting inﬂuence, he responded that there is, in fact, “a terrible moral in Dorian Gray.” Just a few years later, the book and the aesthetic/moral dilemma it presented became issues in the trials occasioned by Wilde’s homosexual liaisons, which resulted in his imprisonment. Of Dorian Gray’s relationship to autobiography, Wilde noted in a letter, “Basil Hallward is what I think I am: Lord Henry what the world thinks me: Dorian what I would like to be—in other ages, perhaps.”

The Picture of Dorian Gray

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Oscar Wilde

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.

#paperback #doriangray #fiction #oscarwilde 

Indiana

Packaged in handsome and affordable trade editions, Clydesdale Classics is a new series of essential literary works. From the musings of literary geniuses like Mark Twain in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to the striking personal narrative of Harriet Jacobs in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, this new series is a comprehensive collection of our literary history through the words of the exceptional few.

The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde's masterpiece and lone novel, has endured as a significant piece of literature partly due to its philosophical nature and artful prose, and partly because of the stir it caused upon its initial publication. Published originally in 1890 in Lippincott's Magazine, The Picture of Dorian Gray--often deemed by Wilde's contemporaries to be "indecent"--tells the story of an attractive young man eponymous with the title who desires to be eternally young. Dorian is the subject of a portrait by a painter named Basil Hallward, who deems Gray's beauty to be inconceivably great. Rather than having to age himself, young and egotistical Dorian longs for the painting to age instead so that he can remain young and beautiful. When he sells his soul in exchange for eternal youth--a concept Wilde derived from the German legend of Faust--Dorian begins a life of vice and debauchery with its sole aim being pleasure. Meanwhile, the painting documents each of his sins within its appearance. When Dorian confronts the painting again with Hallward, a slew of unfortunate events unfold.

Abundant with rich, philosophical themes and commentary, The Picture of Dorian Gray is a classic tale that warns its readers of the dangers that come with narcissism, self-indulgence, and ignorance.

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 - Like New

Listed - 2 months ago

Views - 23

Wishes - 5

Ships From - Illinois

Est. Publication Date - Jun 1998

The Picture of Dorian Gray

ISBN: 9780375751516

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Category - Fiction / Classics

Format - Paperback

Condition - Like New

Listed - 2 months ago

Views - 23

Wishes - 5

Ships From - Illinois

Est. Publication Date - Jun 1998

The Picture of Dorian Gray

ISBN: 9780375751516

Publisher Description

What readers are saying about this book

The Picture of Dorian Gray

By:

$5.00

Meet the seller

Discover more

The Picture of Dorian Gray

By: Oscar Wilde

Pango Buyer Protection

More from this seller

Additional titles by Oscar Wilde

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