The Picture of Dorian Gray

Oscar Wilde

Aug 2010 · AUK Revisited Book 16 · Andrews UK Limited

About this ebook

This version of Oscar Wilde's only published novel has been especially formatted for the latest e-readers. The text first appeared as the lead story in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine on 20 June 1890, printed as the July 1890 issue of this magazine. The title of the book is often translated The Portrait of Dorian Gray, however This version remains true to the original. The novel tells of a young man named Dorian Gray, the subject of a painting by artist Basil Hallward. Basil is impressed by Dorian's beauty and becomes infatuated with him, believing his beauty is responsible for a new mode in his art. Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton, a friend of Basil's, and becomes enthralled by Lord Henry's world view. Espousing a new hedonism, Lord Henry suggests the only things worth pursuing in life are beauty and fulfillment of the senses. Realizing that one day his beauty will fade, Dorian expresses his desire to sell his soul to ensure the portrait Basil has painted would age rather than himself. Dorian's wish is fulfilled, plunging him into debauched acts. The portrait serves as a reminder of the effect each act has upon his soul, with each sin displayed as a disfigurement of his form, or through a sign of aging... The Picture of Dorian Gray is considered a work of classic gothic horror fiction with a strong Faustian theme, and is as enthralling today as it was when first written.