Oscar. Wilde

Light Hardcover (1 lb or less)

Florida

Spellbound before his own portrait, Dorian Gray utters a fateful wish. In exchange for eternal youth he gives his soul, to be corrupted by the malign influence of his mentor, the aesthete and hedonist Lord Henry Wotton. The novel was met with moral outrage by contemporary critics who, dazzled perhaps by Wilde's brilliant style, may have confused the author with his creation, Lord Henry, to whom even Dorian protests, 'You cut life to pieces with your epigrams.'. Encouraged by Lord Henry to substitute pleasure for goodness and art for reality, Dorian tries to watch impassively as he brings misery and death to those who love him. But the picture is watching him, and, made hideous by the marks of sin, it confronts Dorian with the reflection of his fall from grace, the silent bearer of what is in effect a devastating moral judgement.

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.

Camille Cauti

Light Paperback (1 lb or less)

New York

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

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 - Hardcover

Condition - Like New

Listed - 3 months ago

Views - 30

Wishes - 7

Ships From - Florida

Est. Publication Date - Aug 2003