The Picture of Dorian Gray

About The Picture of Dorian Gray

The Picture of Dorian Gray is the famous novel by Oscar Wilde, and one of the best-known works of English literature. It tells of a strikingly handsome young man whose portrait is painted by the artist Basil Hallward. Moved by the views of the witty Lord Henry on youth and beauty, Dorian wishes that the portrait could carry the marks of age while he himself stays young. That wish sets in motion a story about vanity, influence and the cost of living only for pleasure. This page covers the themes and background without giving away how the story unfolds. For the publisher and page count of the copy in stock, please message us on WhatsApp at 9906523492 for details of the copy in stock.

Why The Picture of Dorian Gray is a classic

Wilde’s book is often described as philosophical fiction with Gothic horror and it is also classed as decadent literature. It has remained in print for well over a century and has been staged, filmed and retold many times, including a 1913 stage version, early silent films, a 1945 film that won an Academy Award for cinematography, and a character in the television series Penny Dreadful. Its central image, a portrait that tells the truth about a life, is one of the most memorable in English fiction.

Themes to look for

• Vanity and the fear of ageing
• The influence one person can have over another
• Pleasure as a way of life and its consequences
• The relationship between art and the artist
• Victorian society, class and ideas of manhood

The story of its publication

The story first appeared in Lippincott’s Monthly Magazine in July 1890, in a version of thirteen chapters. The editor cut around five hundred words before printing, without Wilde’s knowledge, and many reviewers condemned it as immoral. Wilde then expanded the text to twenty chapters and added a famous preface defending the idea of art for art’s sake. This book version was published by Ward, Lock and Company in April 1891. Critics neglected it for decades, but from about the 1980s it was reassessed as a major work, and The Guardian later placed it among the hundred best English-language novels.

About the author Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde was an Irish writer and wit who became one of the leading figures of Victorian literary life. The Picture of Dorian Gray is his only novel, and it is read alongside his plays and essays for its sharp sayings and its interest in beauty and morality.

Who should read this book

• Students of English literature at school and college
• Readers who want to begin with the great English classics
• Fans of Gothic and psychological stories
• Anyone who enjoys sharp conversation and witty writing
• Gift buyers looking for an affordable classic

Tips for reading it

Begin with the preface, which is short and tells you what Wilde thought about art and morality. Then read the novel slowly enough to enjoy the long conversations, since much of the book’s meaning sits in what the characters say. Note how the portrait changes the way the reader looks at the people around it. After finishing, it is worth thinking about whether Wilde’s story praises its hero’s choices or warns against them, a question that makes a good topic for a class discussion or an essay. Readers new to older English should keep a dictionary close, but the language is graceful and clear.

Edition details

Author: Oscar Wilde. Language: English. Format: paperback. For the publisher, number of pages and other details of the copy in stock, please message us on WhatsApp at 9906523492 for details of the copy in stock. Same-day dispatch from Srinagar. Delivery takes about 1 day in Srinagar and 3 to 10 days across the rest of India.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote The Picture of Dorian Gray? Oscar Wilde.

When was it first published? It first appeared in Lippincott’s Monthly Magazine in July 1890, and the expanded book followed in April 1891.

Does this description contain spoilers? No, it only covers the opening premise, themes and background.

Is it a good choice for students? It is widely read in English literature courses, though please check your own reading list for the edition you need.

How quickly will it reach me? We dispatch the same day from Srinagar. Delivery is about 1 day in Srinagar and 3 to 10 days in the rest of India.

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