Picture Palace (1978) by Paul Theroux, published by the Franklin Library, is a provocative novel that delves into the life of fictional photographer Maude Coffin Pratt, an octogenarian reflecting on her scandalous career as she prepares for a retrospective exhibition. Through her unreliable narration, Theroux explores themes of artistic obsession, family secrets, and the blurred lines between life and art, revealing Maude’s manipulative relationships—including an incestuous bond with her brother.
The Franklin Library edition, bound in full leather with gilt detailing, elevates Theroux’s darkly comic prose into a collector’s artifact. A Booker Prize nominee, the novel is a biting satire of fame and memory.
