The Picture of Dorian Gray

More about the book

Exploring themes of beauty, hedonism, and morality, the novel follows Dorian Gray, whose portrait ages while he remains youthful, reflecting his moral decay. Influenced by artist Basil Hallward and the decadent philosophies of Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian embarks on a life of indulgence. Initially published in a censored form, Wilde's work sparked controversy, leading to a revised edition that included a famous preface defending art's autonomy. This single novel by Wilde remains a significant Gothic exploration of the consequences of vanity and excess.