The Picture of Dorian Grey

by Oscar Wilde; Robert Mighall

Oscar Wilde's classic work is about a man who sells his soul for eternal youth: only his portrait ages, while he remains forever handsome and young. Wilde's allegory, first published in 1890, provides an interesting take on the Faust myth and also a probing examination of human values. Wilde himself described it as the story of "an idea that is old in the history of literature, but to which I have given new form." He was shocked and angered by the response to it by the English press, which considered the novel decadent, corrupting, and--worst of all--French-influenced.

Editions of The Picture of Dorian Grey

ISBN 9780141439570	Binding/Format Paperback	Publisher Penguin Group USA	Date 2003	Price $1.00	Used, Very Good
ISBN 9780981597126	Binding/Format Paperback	Publisher Murine Pr	Date 2008	Price $16.95	New
ISBN 9780140437843	Binding/Format Paperback	Publisher Penguin USA	Date 2001	Price $1.00	Used, Very Good

Publisher Notes

The handsome appearance of dissolute, young Dorian Gray remains unchanged while the features in his portrait become distorted as his degeneration progresses.

Media Reviews

"He is not one of those writers who as the centuries change lose their relevance. Wilde is one of us. His wit is an agent of renewal as pertinent now as a hundred years ago."

Synopses

An exquisitely beautiful young man in Victorian England retains his youthful and innocent appearance over the years while his portrait reflects both his age and evil soul as he pursues a life of decadence and corruption. Illustrated sidebar notes provide historical background to the text.

First Line

The studio was filled with the rich odour of roses, and when the light summer wind stirred amidst the trees of the garden there came through the open door the heavy scent of the lilac, or the more delicate perfume of the pink-flowering thorn.

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