The Picture of Dorian Gray

Name: The Picture of Dorian Gray
Price: 39.76 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9780557002443

✍️ Oscar Wilde

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

$39.76

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Oscar Wilde's only novel, a gothic tale of eternal youth and moral decay.

This text presents the revised 1891 edition of Oscar Wilde's singular novel. It diverges from the original magazine serialization by incorporating new chapters that deepen the philosophical inquiry. The narrative follows Dorian Gray through his descent into decadence, driven by a portrait that bears the marks of his sins while he remains untouched by time. The work engages with the artistic movement known as decadents and touches upon homosexuality, topics that sparked debate when first published. It is classified as one of the last works of classic gothic horror fiction with strong Faustian themes. Modern critics regard it as a modern classic of Western literature. The edition provides a direct link to the version Wilde himself amended, offering insight into his artistic evolution and the cultural tensions of the late nineteenth century.

Key Themes

Faustian theme decadent artistic movement homosexuality

Literary Context

First published in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine on June 20, 1890, and later revised for Ward, Lock, and Company in April 1891. It is considered one of the last works of classic gothic horror fiction with a strong Faustian theme.

Difficulty

●●● Challenging

Recommended For Fans Of

Mary Shelley · Bram Stoker · H.P. Lovecraft

🏚️

Gothic

🏛 Lulu.com 📅 2008 📖 246 pages 🌐 English 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9780557002443

📝 Description: The Picture of Dorian Gray

Oscar Wilde crafted the sole novel in his bibliography, a work that first appeared as a serial story before being expanded into its final form. This edition reproduces the text revised by the author for publication by Ward, Lock, and Company in April 1891. The narrative centers on Dorian Gray, a young man whose portrait ages while he remains eternally youthful. This premise anchors a Faustian tale that explores the decadent artistic movement of its era. The story also addresses themes of homosexuality, subjects that generated significant controversy upon the book's initial release. Readers familiar with classic gothic horror will recognize the dark tone and supernatural elements that define the plot. The work stands as a modern classic within Western literature, appealing to those interested in literary history and moral philosophy. It may not suit readers seeking light entertainment or straightforward adventure stories without deeper thematic layers. The text is organized around the consequences of Dorian's actions and their impact on his soul and society. Wilde’s unique style blends aestheticism with ethical inquiry, creating a complex narrative structure. This volume offers direct access to the 1891 version, allowing readers to engage with the author’s final intentions for the story.

💎 Our verdict on The Picture of Dorian Gray

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🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Oscar Wilde’s singular novel excels in weaving aesthetic philosophy with gothic horror elements to create a haunting meditation on vanity and corruption. The text effectively utilizes the supernatural premise of the aging portrait to anchor its critique of decadence. This edition allows readers to engage directly with Wilde’s revised intentions, offering clarity on his artistic evolution. It suits best those who appreciate literary history, psychological depth, and the darker corners of Western literature. While not suitable for those seeking light entertainment, it rewards careful reading with rich thematic layers and a unique narrative voice that remains influential in modern horror and gothic fiction.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers interested in the intersection of aestheticism and ethical inquiry will find this novel compelling. It offers a profound exploration of moral decay and the Faustian bargain through the lens of eternal youth. Those seeking to understand the historical context of late nineteenth-century cultural debates, particularly regarding homosexuality and artistic decadence, will gain valuable insight. The narrative provides a complex structure that challenges readers to engage with philosophical questions about art, soul, and consequence. It is ideal for those who appreciate dark, atmospheric tales that prioritize thematic depth over simple adventure.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Oscar Wilde’s singular novel excels in weaving aesthetic philosophy with gothic horror elements to create a haunting meditation on vanity and corruption. The text effectively utilizes the supernatural premise of the aging portrait to anchor its critique of decadence. This edition allows readers to engage directly with Wilde’s revised intentions, offering clarity on his artistic evolution. It suits best those who appreciate literary history, psychological depth, and the darker corners of Western literature. While not suitable for those seeking light entertainment, it rewards careful reading with rich thematic layers and a unique narrative voice that remains influential in modern horror and gothic fiction.