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The Picture of Dorian Gray

By Oscar Wilde
Series: Collins 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
The Picture of Dorian Gray, written by Oscar Wilde, explores the story of a young and handsome man who becomes enchanted with the idea of eternal youth and beauty. Under the influence of a charismatic friend, he begins to live a life of hedonism and moral corruption while a portrait of him reveals the effects of his indulgent lifestyle. This classic work delves into themes of vanity, morality, and the consequences of living a life devoted to pleasure without responsibility.
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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 appreciate tales of aesthetic beauty intertwined with dark, philosophical themes. The story delves into the corrupting power of vanity and hedonism, offering a gripping exploration of morality, identity, and the soul. It appeals to those who enjoy thought-provoking narratives with a touch of supernatural intrigue.

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HarperCollins is proud to present its new 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 new 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.

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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 such as beauty, morality, and the nature of the self. Reviewers frequently admire Wilde's wit and the novel's captivating prose. It is recognised as a thought-provoking classic that reflects on the consequences of vanity and hedonism, though some critique its moral undertones as being too overt.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780008516116

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 September 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: William Collins

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 210g

Pages: 240

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Best Sellers at Book Hero Best Selling Books Classic Fiction Classic General Fiction Fiction General Fiction Hannah's Picks In Stock Books In-Stock Fiction Books Literary Fiction Most Popular Books of All Time New Release Fiction Oscar Wilde Series: Collins Classics

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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