The Picture of Dorian Gray: (penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) Paperback - 2010
by Oscar Wilde; Ruben Toledo (Illustrator)
The acclaimed Couture Classics with cover designs by Ruben Toledo have become collector's items in the worlds of literature, fashion, design, and popular culture. Now, Toledo's signature style graces the covers of three new Deluxe Editions of gothic literature greats-Jane Eyre, Dracula, and The Picture of Dorian Gray-capturing the haunting beauty, sensual horror, and decadence of these iconic tales.
Perfect additions to the first set of Couture Classics: Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice, and The Scarlet Letter.
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
An iconic novel dressed in a fierce design by acclaimed fashion illustrator Ruben Toledo. See the other titles in the couture-inspired collection: Jane Eyre, Dracula, The Scarlet Letter, Wuthering Heights and Pride and Prejudice.
The Picture of Dorian Gray was a succès de scandale. Early readers were shocked by its hints at unspeakable sins and the book was later used as evidence against Wilde at the Old Bailey in 1895.
Enthralled by his own exquisite portrait, Dorian Gray makes a Faustian bargain to sell his soul in exchange for eternal youth and beauty. Under the influence of Lord Henry Wotton, he is drawn into a corrupt double life, where he is able to indulge his desires while remaining a gentleman in the eyes of polite society. Only Dorian's picture bears the traces of his decadence.
A knowing account of a secret life and an analysis of the darker side of late Victorian society. The Picture of Dorian Gray offers a disturbing portrait of an individual coming face to face with the reality of his soul.
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: (penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)
- Author Oscar Wilde; Ruben Toledo (Illustrator)
- Binding Paperback
- Edition Reprint
- Pages 218
- Volumes 1
- Language ENG
- Publisher Penguin Group, New York
- Date 2010-11-30
- ISBN 9780143106142 / 0143106147
- Weight 0.65 lbs (0.29 kg)
- Dimensions 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.8 in (21.08 x 13.72 x 2.03 cm)
- Ages 18 to UP years
- Grade levels 13 - UP
- Reading level 700
- Library of Congress subjects Conduct of life, Didactic fiction
- Library of Congress Catalog Number 2010026239
- Dewey Decimal Code FIC