Oscar Wilde was an Irish poet and writer. He became one of London's most popular playwrights in the early 1890s. Today he is remembered for his epigrams and plays, and the circumstances of his trial, imprisonment, and early death.
The Picture of Dorian Gray is Wilde's only novel. At the time of its release in 1890, it scandalized readers. Written in Wilde’s signature style, the story has gone on to become an enduring tale of man’s arrogance and narcissism. The story is considered, by some scholars, to be one of the last works of classic gothic horror fiction with a strong Faustian theme.
The story is a tragic tale of self-indulgence and yearnings. It is about the artist Basil Hallward (fictional) who meets the young Dorian Gray in his aunt's stately London home. Basil becomes immediately obsessed with Dorian, who is wealthy, cultured, and extraordinarily beautiful. Basil decides to paint a portrait of the young man. While finishing his masterpiece, Basil reluctantly introduces Dorian to his friend Lord Henry Wotton, a man known for scandal and exuberance. Wotton inspires Dorian to live life through his senses, to give into his desires. Dorian becomes enthralled by Wotton’s ideas, and becomes obsessed with remaining young and beautiful forever. He expresses a desire to sell his soul and have the portrait of him age, while he, the man, stays forever young.
This book is unabridged and appears as it was first intended. First published in 1890.
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