The Picture of Dorian Gray

Description

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a novel by Oscar Wilde, first published in 1890. When Dorian Gray's portrait is painted by his friend Basil Hallward, he becomes enthralled by his own beauty and desires to stay eternally youthful while the portrait ages in his place. As Dorian indulges in a life of excess, he becomes increasingly corrupted, committing various immoral acts and leading others to ruin. However, he remains physically flawless and youthful, as his sins and aging are magically transferred to the portrait. However, haunted by his own conscience and the portrait's grotesque transformation, Dorian sinks into paranoia and guilt. He hides the portrait in his attic, away from prying eyes. Over time, the portrait becomes more and more grotesque, reflecting Dorian's inner corruption. The novel explores themes of beauty, morality, and the consequences of one's actions in a decadent society.

№ 17 in the 100 Best 19th Century British and Irish Novels.

№ 17 in the 20 Classic Books You Must Read Before You Die.

№ 27 in The Guardian's 100 Best Novels Written In English.

№ 34 in The Guardian's 100 Greatest Novels Of All Time.

This book has 79,147 words, 134 pages in the PDF version, and was originally published in 1890.

Production notes: This ebook of The Picture of Dorian Gray was published by Global Grey on the 6th May 2018, and updated on the 4th June 2023. The artwork used for the cover is 'Paul Wayland Bartlett' by Charles Sprague Pearce.