{"product_id":"the-picture-of-dorian-gray-popular-penguins","title":"The Picture of Dorian Gray: Popular Penguins","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Picture of Dorian Gray: Popular Penguins\u003c\/em\u003e by Oscar Wilde is a haunting exploration of vanity, moral corruption, and the quest for eternal youth. Set against the backdrop of Victorian London, the novel tells the story of a handsome young man, Dorian Gray, who becomes the muse of the painter Basil Hallward. Captivated by Dorian's beauty, Basil creates a magnificent portrait of him, capturing his youth and allure. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Dorian meets the charismatic Lord Henry Wotton, he is introduced to a hedonistic worldview that takes on a chilling reality. Under Lord Henry's influence, Dorian makes a Faustian pact: he will remain forever young and unspoiled, while his portrait ages and bears the physical traces of his every sin. As Dorian engages in a life of debauchery and depravity, the painting becomes a grotesque reflection of his corrupted soul. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCharacterised by Wilde’s sharp wit and sparkling dialogue, \u003cem\u003eThe Picture of Dorian Gray\u003c\/em\u003e is both beautiful and terrifying. It delves into philosophical themes of aestheticism, moral duplicity, and the relationship between the seen and unseen, challenging traditional Victorian values. Wilde deftly critiques society's obsession with appearance and the superficial, revealing the dark consequences of living a life unbound by ethics and responsibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFirst published in 1890, \u003cem\u003eThe Picture of Dorian Gray\u003c\/em\u003e was initially met with controversy due to its moral nuances and suggestive content. However, over time, it has earned a place as a cornerstone of gothic literature, lauded for its brilliant prose and thought-provoking exploration of human nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis edition in the Popular Penguins series invites new and returning readers alike to experience Wilde’s only novel in an accessible format. A masterpiece of Gothic horror, it remains a timeless reflection on the treacherous temptation of eternal youth and the inevitable decay that lies beneath the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45692445393132,"sku":"9780141037684","price":15.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780141037684.jpg?v=1725563508","url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/products\/the-picture-of-dorian-gray-popular-penguins","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}