Oscar Wilde

The Picture of Dorian Gray: (Low Cost). Limited Edition Oscar Wilde

Publisher Marketing: The novel begins on a beautiful summer day with Lord Henry Wotton, a strongly-opinionated man, observing the sensitive artist Basil Hallward painting the portrait of a handsome young man named Dorian Gray, who is Basil's ultimate muse. After hearing Lord Henry's world view, Dorian begins to think beauty is the only worthwhile aspect of life. He wishes that the portrait Basil painted would grow old in his place. Under the influence of Lord Henry (who relishes the hedonic lifestyle and is a major exponent thereof), Dorian begins to explore his senses. He discovers amazing actress Sibyl Vane, who performs Shakespeare plays in a dingy theatre. Dorian approaches her and soon proposes marriage. Sibyl, who refers to him as "Prince Charming," swoons with happiness, but her protective brother James tells her that if "Prince Charming" harms her, he will certainly kill him. Dorian invites Basil and Lord Henry to see Sibyl perform in Romeo and Juliet. Sibyl, whose only knowledge of love was love of theatre, casts aside her acting abilities through the experience of true love with Dorian. Disheartened, Dorian rejects her, saying her beauty was in her acting, and he is no longer interested in her. When he returns home, he notices that his portrait has changed. Dorian realises his wish has come true - the portrait now bears a subtle sneer and will age with each sin he commits, while his own appearance remains unchanged. Review Citations: School Library Journal 11/01/2009 pg. 138 (EAN 9781602706804, Library Binding) Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2010 pg. 65 (EAN 9781602706804, Library Binding) People Weekly 07/21/2008 pg. 57 (EAN 9780809599943, Paperback) Booklist 05/15/2001 pg. 1746 (EAN 9780670894956, Paperback) School Library Journal 08/01/2001 pg. 190 (EAN 9780670894956, Paperback) Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2001 pg. 327 (EAN 9780670894956, Paperback) Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2001 pg. 327 (EAN 9780670894956, Paperback) Booklist 05/15/2001 pg. 1746 (EAN 9780670894949, Hardcover) School Library Journal 08/01/2001 pg. 190 (EAN 9780670894949, Hardcover) Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2001 pg. 327 (EAN 9780670894949, Hardcover) Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2001 pg. 327 (EAN 9780670894949, Hardcover) Ingram Paperback Advance 09/01/1999 pg. 17 (EAN 9780812567113, Mass Market Paperbound) Library Journal 10/01/1998 pg. 141 (EAN 9781551111261, Paperback) Wilson Fiction Catalog 01/01/1995 pg. 701 (EAN 9780394605142, Hardcover) Publishers Weekly 04/04/2011 (EAN 9780674057920, Hardcover) - *Starred Review Library Journal 05/01/2011 pg. 84 (EAN 9780674057920, Hardcover) Books & Culture 07/01/2011 pg. 35 (EAN 9780674057920, Hardcover) Entertainment Weekly 12/11/2009 pg. 119 (EAN 9780141442464, Hardcover) Contributor Bio:  Wilde, Oscar Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish-born poet, dramatist, and novelist. His works include collections of fairy stories; the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray; and many brilliantly witty plays, including what is often considered to be his masterpiece, The Importance of Being Earnest.