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The Picture of Dorian Gray
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The Picture of Dorian Gray Paperback - 2001

by Wilde, Oscar


About this book

"The Picture of Dorian Gray" is a classic novel by Oscar Wilde, first published in 1890. It tells the story of a young, handsome man named Dorian Gray, who becomes the subject of a portrait painted by an artist named Basil Hallward. Dorian is introduced to the pleasures of life by his friend, Lord Henry Wotton, who encourages him to pursue beauty and pleasure above all else.

Dorian becomes obsessed with his own youth and beauty, and he wishes that his portrait would age instead of him. His wish is granted, and he remains youthful while his portrait shows the physical and moral decay of his life. As Dorian becomes increasingly depraved, his portrait becomes more and more grotesque, reflecting the ugliness of his soul.

"The Picture of Dorian Gray" is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of beauty, morality, and the corrupting influence of society. It remains one of Oscar Wilde's most famous works and is widely regarded as a LGBTQ+ masterpiece of English literature.


Summary

A beautiful young man, Dorian Gray, sits for a portrait. In the garden of the artist's house he falls into conversation with Lord Wotton, who convinces him that only beauty is worth pursuing. Gray wishes that his portrait, and not himself, might age and show the effects of time. His wish comes true, and wild, hedonistic pursuits horribly disfigure the portrait. This Faustian story caused much controversy when it was first published, as it discusses decadent art and culture, and homosexuality. It is now considered one of the great pieces of modern Western literature.

From the publisher

A novel that has fascinated readers for over a century, The Picture of Dorian Gray is Oscar Wilde's story of a fashionable young man who attains eternal youth while only his portrait grows old, hidden away in a locked room. Despite the young man's disintegration into a life of crime, his face never reflects the moral decay. Instead, the portrait records every deed by turning his once handsome features into a hideous mask.

With Tony Ross's splendid illustrations and extended captions unique to the Whole Story, The Picture of Dorian Gray provides background information that modern readers could otherwise access only through a broad range of supplemental research -- from biographical profiles of Oscar Wilde and his contemporaries to depictions of London's art world in the late nineteenth century. This distinctive approach places The Picture of Dorian Gray, first published in 1891, within the context of its era, bringing it vividly to life.

First Edition Identification


Ward, Lock published a First UK Edition, First Printing hardcover in 1891, London. The edition is characterized by vellum backed boards. 

Charles Carrington published a First Illustrated Edition, First Printing in 1908, Paris. Finely bound by the Chelsea Bindery in purple morocco, spine lettered and decorated in gilt, raised bands, marbled endpapers, and gilt edges.

John Lane Bodley Head & Dodd Mead published a First Illustrated Edition Thus, First Printing in 1925, US. The edition is bound in cloth boards with 12 full page engravings by Henry Keen. 

Brentano’s published a First US Edition, First Printing in 1906, New York. 

The World Publishing Co., published a Towers-Books-Edition, First Printing in 1944. 

Heritage Press published a First Edition Thus, First Printing hardcover in 1957, New York.


Details

  • Title The Picture of Dorian Gray
  • Author Wilde, Oscar
  • Binding Paperback
  • Pages 268
  • Language EN
  • Publisher Viking Juvenile, New York, New York, U.S.A.
  • Date 2001-04-23
  • ISBN 9780670894956
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The Picture of Dorian Gray (Whole Story)
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The Picture of Dorian Gray (Whole Story)

by Oscar, Wilde

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
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Viking Juvenile. Used - Good. Ships from UK in 48 hours or less (usually same day). Your purchase helps support Sri Lankan Children's Charity 'The Rainbow Centre'. Shows some signs of wear but in good overall condition. 100% money back guarantee. We are a world class secondhand bookstore based in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom and specialize in high quality textbooks across an enormous variety of subjects. We aim to provide a vast range of textbooks, rare and collectible books at a great price. Our donations to The Rainbow Centre have helped provide an education and a safe haven to hundreds of children who live in appalling conditions. We provide a 100% money back guarantee and are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest standards of service in the bookselling industry.
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The Picture of Dorian Gray
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The Picture of Dorian Gray

by Oscar Wilde; Tony Ross

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780670894956 / 0670894958
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Penguin Publishing Group, 2001. Paperback. Good. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
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The Picture of Dorian Gray
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The Picture of Dorian Gray

by Oscar Wilde; Tony Ross

  • Used
  • very good
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Very Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780670894956 / 0670894958
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Seattle, Washington, United States
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Penguin Publishing Group, 2001. Paperback. Very Good. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
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$6.31
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The Picture of Dorian Gray
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The Picture of Dorian Gray

by Oscar Wilde; Tony Ross

  • Used
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  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Acceptable
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780670894956 / 0670894958
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Penguin Publishing Group, 2001. Paperback. Acceptable. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
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The Picture of Dorian Gray
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The Picture of Dorian Gray

by Wilde, Oscar., Ross, Tony

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The Picture of Dorian Gray (Whole Story)

The Picture of Dorian Gray (Whole Story)

by Oscar Wilde

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Viking Juvenile, 2001 Illustrations by Tony Ross. The complete, unabridged text with illustrations and annotations.. Soft cover. Near Fine/No Jacket.
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The Picture of Dorian Gray (Whole Story)
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The Picture of Dorian Gray (Whole Story)

by Oscar Wilde

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
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The Picture of Dorian Gray (Whole Story)
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The Picture of Dorian Gray (Whole Story)

by Wilde, Oscar

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780670894956 / 0670894958
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Viking Juvenile, 2001-04-23. Paperback. New. New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title!
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