<p><strong>The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde</strong></p><p>A masterpiece of Victorian Gothic literature and a timeless exploration of decadence vanity and the Faustian bargain <em>The Picture of Dorian Gray</em> is Oscar Wilde's only published novel and his most enduring work.</p><p><strong>Plot Summary:</strong><br />Enthralled by his own exquisite portrait the young and beautiful Dorian Gray expresses a wish: that the painting would age instead of him. To his astonishment his wish is granted. As Dorian plunges into a life of hedonistic pursuit moral decay and unspeakable sins his face remains youthful and flawless. Meanwhile locked away in his attic his portrait bears the grotesque marks of his every transgression growing increasingly hideous with each act of cruelty and depravity.</p><p><strong>Key Themes:</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>Aesthetics vs. Morality:</strong> The novel famously champions the philosophy of "Art for Art's Sake" while simultaneously exploring the consequences of a life lived without ethical constraints.</p></li><li><p><strong>The Duality of Human Nature:</strong> The pristine Dorian and his decaying portrait serve as a powerful symbol of the conflict between one's public facade and one's corrupted soul.</p></li><li><p><strong>The Pursuit of Pleasure:</strong> The story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of hedonism and the emptiness of a life devoted solely to the pursuit of beauty and sensual experience.</p></li><li><p><strong>The Faustian Bargain:</strong> Dorian's deal—to retain his youth at the cost of his soul—echoes the classic myth of selling one's soul for personal gain.</p></li><li><p><strong>The Corruption of Innocence:</strong> The novel traces the tragic transformation of an innocent young man into a corrupted and monstrous figure.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Literary Significance:</strong><br />Upon its first publication in 1890 the novel was met with public outrage and critical scorn for its "indecent" and "unmoral" themes. Yet it has since been recognized as a classic of Western literature celebrated for its brilliant witty dialogue its evocative prose and its profound philosophical questions about art life and the nature of sin.</p><p><strong>Why You Should Read It:</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>Witty and Profound Prose:</strong> Wilde's signature epigrams and dazzling dialogue are on full display.</p></li><li><p><strong>A Gripping Gothic Tale:</strong> It functions as a suspenseful and chilling horror story.</p></li><li><p><strong>A Timeless Character:</strong> The enigmatic Lord Henry Wotton with his seductive and cynical wit remains one of literature's most memorable figures.</p></li><li><p><strong>Relevant Exploration of Vanity:</strong> Its critique of narcissism and the obsession with eternal youth feels remarkably modern.</p></li></ul><p><em>The Picture of Dorian Gray</em> is more than a story; it is a mesmerizing and unsettling mirror held up to the darkest corners of the human soul.</p> Books, Inc. hardcover
Pulp! The Classics 2014. Paperback. Like New. Pages are clean and are not marred by notes or folds of any kind. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed. Pulp! The Classics paperback
Bookseller reference : G1843441845I2N00 ISBN : 1843441845 9781843441847
New York: The Modern Library 1992. First Modern Library Edition. Hardcover. Very Good. 254p. A hardcover book and glossy dudtjacket both in very good condition. Light wear and crinkling to jacket edges; spine ever so slightly cockeyed. Text clean and binding tight; no ownership markings. The Modern Library hardcover
Bookseller reference : 213809 ISBN : 0679600019 9780679600015
Dover Publications November 1993. Trade Paperback. New. We carry new and used books in our storefront. We want you to be satisfied with your purchase. Please contact us if you have questions regarding this item. Dover Publications paperback
Bookseller reference : 496046 ISBN : 0486278077 9780486278070
Peter Pauper Press 2024. Hardcover. Very Good. Missing dust jacket; May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed. Peter Pauper Press hardcover
Bookseller reference : G1441343482I4N01 ISBN : 1441343482 9781441343482
East India Publishing Company 2024. Paperback. Good. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed. East India Publishing Company paperback
Bookseller reference : G1774269724I3N00 ISBN : 1774269724 9781774269725
Paper Mill Press 2020. Paperback. Good. Former library book; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed. Paper Mill Press paperback
Bookseller reference : G1774021692I3N10 ISBN : 1774021692 9781774021699
Books Inc. 1945. Hardcover. Acceptable. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed. Books Inc. hardcover
Norwalk CT: The Easton Press 1957. Leather_bound. As New. A hardcover book in fine condition. Bound in full leather decorated in gilt. Gilt edges moire endpapers and silk ribbon bookmark. A couple of tiny scuffs to gilt edges. A beautiful copy suitable for a gift! The Easton Press unknown
Perfection Learning Prebound 1995. Hardcover. Good. Former library book; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed. Perfection Learning Prebound hardcover
Bookseller reference : G0812416449I3N10 ISBN : 0812416449 9780812416442
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