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The Picture of Dorian Gray

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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 handsome young man named Dorian Gray becomes the subject of a striking portrait. Influenced by a friend's hedonistic worldview, Dorian wishes to remain eternally youthful, while his portrait bears the marks of his age and sins. This leads him down a dark path exploring the risks of vanity and moral corruption.
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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?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy exploring themes of beauty, morality, and the supernatural. It delves into the consequences of vanity and the pursuit of eternal youth through a gripping, gothic tale. Oscar Wilde's wit and philosophical musings make this a thought-provoking read that melds horror with societal critique.

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The Picture of Dorian Gray

HarperCollins is proud to present its range of best-loved, essential classics.

A captivating Victorian literary classic on beauty and corruption

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

HarperCollins is proud to present its range of best-loved, essential classics.

The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.

When Basil Hallward paints the portrait of young, handsome Dorian Gray, he falls prey to his dazzling beauty. Afraid that his youth and looks will waste away, Dorian expresses a wish that his portrait, and not he, will age and fade over time. His wish is granted, and over the ensuing years, Dorian indulges in every kind of vice and pleasure, never ageing nor disfiguring. Only his portrait, hidden to the world, bears the marks of his actions, and as his soul grows ever more wasted and corrupted, devastating consequences lie in wait.

The Picture of Dorian Gray is an exploration of the purpose of art, the superficial nature of youth and beauty, and the conflict between morality and intemperance. First published in its complete, uncensored form in 1891, it is Oscar Wilde’s only novel.

Series: Collins 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?

The Picture of Dorian Gray is often praised for its exploration of themes like vanity, morality, and the duality of human nature. Critics frequently highlight Oscar Wilde's eloquent prose and the narrative's gothic elements, which create an intriguing and haunting experience. The character development and the philosophical questions raised throughout the book typically leave a lasting impression on readers, contributing to its status as a classic in literature.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780008195588

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 June 2017

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: William Collins

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 16.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 180g

Pages: 240

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About the Author

Born in Ireland in 1856, Oscar Wilde was a noted essayist, playwright, fairy tale writer and poet, as well as an early leader of the Aesthetic Movement. His plays include: An Ideal Husband, Salome, A Woman of No Importance, and Lady Windermere's Fan. Among his best known stories are The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Canterville Ghost.

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