The Picture of Dorian Gray

HarperCollins is proud to present our range of timeless literary classics. 'How sad it is! I shall grow old, and horrid, and dreadful. But this picture will remain always young… If it was only the other way!' Wilde's first and only published novel recounts the story of handsome Dorian Gray who upon having his portrait painted desires that it will age and grow ugly while he may remain eternally beautiful. The painting, which reflects each of Gray's sins and transgressions in its hideousness, haunts him until it finally becomes unbearable. In this dark tale of duplicity and mortality, Wilde creates a world where art and reality collide.

HarperCollins is proud to present our range of timeless literary classics. 'How sad it is! I shall grow old, and horrid, and dreadful. But this picture will remain always young… If it was only the other way!' Wilde's first and only published novel recounts the story of handsome Dorian Gray who upon having his portrait painted desires that it will age and grow ugly while he may remain eternally beautiful. The painting, which reflects each of Gray's sins and transgressions in its hideousness, haunts him until it finally becomes unbearable. In this dark tale of duplicity and mortality, Wilde creates a world where art and reality collide.

With an Introduction and Notes by John M.L. Drew, University of Buckingham. Wilde's only novel, first published in 1890, is a brilliantly designed puzzle, intended to tease conventional minds with its exploration of the myriad interrelationships between art, life, and consequence. From its provocative Preface, challenging the reader to believe in 'art for art's sake', to its sensational conclusion, the story self-consciously experiments with the notion of sin as an element of design. Yet Wilde himself underestimated the consequences of his experiment, and its capacity to outrage the Victorian establishment. Its words returned to haunt him in his court appearances in 1895, and he later recalled the 'note of doom' which runs like 'a purple thread' through its carefully crafted prose.

With an Introduction and Notes by John M.L. Drew, University of Buckingham. Wilde's only novel, first published in 1890, is a brilliantly designed puzzle, intended to tease conventional minds with its exploration of the myriad interrelationships between art, life, and consequence. From its provocative Preface, challenging the reader to believe in 'art for art's sake', to its sensational conclusion, the story self-consciously experiments with the notion of sin as an element of design. Yet Wilde himself underestimated the consequences of his experiment, and its capacity to outrage the Victorian establishment. Its words returned to haunt him in his court appearances in 1895, and he later recalled the 'note of doom' which runs like 'a purple thread' through its carefully crafted prose.

Exam board: Edexcel Level & Subject: AS and A Level English Literature First teaching: September 2015 Next exams: 2027 This edition of The Picture of Dorian Gray provides depth and context for A Level students, with the complete novel in an easy to read format, and a detailed introduction and bespoke glossary written by an experienced A Level teacher with academic expertise in the area. · Affordable high quality complete text of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde · Perfectly pitched introductions provide the depth and demand required by AS and A Level English · Explore the contemporary context, Oscar Wilde’s writing, the novel’s critical reception and subsequent interpretations for a deeper reading of the text · Expand your further reading with a list of key articles and critical and theoretical texts · Improve your understanding of the novel with unfamiliar concepts and culturally-specific terms defined in the glossary

Exam board: Edexcel Level & Subject: AS and A Level English Literature First teaching: September 2015 Next exams: 2027 This edition of The Picture of Dorian Gray provides depth and context for A Level students, with the complete novel in an easy to read format, and a detailed introduction and bespoke glossary written by an experienced A Level teacher with academic expertise in the area. · Affordable high quality complete text of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde · Perfectly pitched introductions provide the depth and demand required by AS and A Level English · Explore the contemporary context, Oscar Wilde’s writing, the novel’s critical reception and subsequent interpretations for a deeper reading of the text · Expand your further reading with a list of key articles and critical and theoretical texts · Improve your understanding of the novel with unfamiliar concepts and culturally-specific terms defined in the glossary

'The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.' When Dorian Gray has his portrait painted, he is captivated by his own beauty. Tempted by his world-weary, decadent friend Lord Henry Wotton, he wishes to stay forever young, and pledges his very soul to keep his good looks. Set in fin-de-siecle London, the novel traces a path from the studio of painter Basil Hallward to the opium dens of the East End. As Dorian's slide into crime and cruelty progresses he stays magically youthful, while his beautiful portrait changes, revealing the hideous corruption of moral decay. Ever since its first publication in 1890 Wilde's only novel has remained the subject of critical controversy. Acclaimed by some as an instructive moral tale, it has been denounced by others for its implicit immorality. Combining elements of the supernatural, aestheticism, and the Gothic, The Picture of Dorian Gray is an unclassifiable and uniquely unsettling work of fiction. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Dorian Gray is the subject of a full-length portrait in oil by Basil Hallward, an artist who is impressed and infatuated by Dorian's beauty; he believes that Dorian's beauty is responsible for the new mode in his art as a painter. Through Basil, Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton, and he soon is enthralled by the aristocrat's hedonistic worldview: that beauty and sensual fulfilment are the only things worth pursuing in life. Newly understanding that his beauty will fade, Dorian expresses the desire to sell his soul, to ensure that the picture, rather than he, will age and fade. The wish is granted, and Dorian pursues a libertine life of varied and amoral experiences, while staying young and beautiful; all the while his portrait ages and records every soul-corrupting sin.

Dorian Gray is having his picture painted by Basil Hallward, who is charmed by his looks. But when Sir Henry Wotton visits and seduces Dorian into the worship of youthful beauty with an intoxicating speech, Dorian makes a wish he will live to regret: that all the marks of age will now be reflected in the portrait rather than on Dorian’s own face. The stage is now set for a masterful tale about appearance, reality, art, life, truth, fiction and the burden of conscience. Oscar Wilde’s only full-length novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray is a lasting gem of sophisticated wit and playfulness, which brings together all the best elements of his talent in a reinterpretation of the Faustian myth.

Dorian Gray is having his picture painted by Basil Hallward, who is charmed by his looks. But when Sir Henry Wotton visits and seduces Dorian into the worship of youthful beauty with an intoxicating speech, Dorian makes a wish he will live to regret: that all the marks of age will now be reflected in the portrait rather than on Dorian’s own face. The stage is now set for a masterful tale about appearance, reality, art, life, truth, fiction and the burden of conscience. Oscar Wilde’s only full-length novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray is a lasting gem of sophisticated wit and playfulness, which brings together all the best elements of his talent in a reinterpretation of the Faustian myth.

Dorian Gray is the subject of a full-length portrait in oil by Basil Hallward, an artist who is impressed and infatuated by Dorian's beauty; he believes that Dorian's beauty is responsible for the new mode in his art as a painter. Through Basil, Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton, and he soon is enthralled by the aristocrat's hedonistic worldview: that beauty and sensual fulfilment are the only things worth pursuing in life. Newly understanding that his beauty will fade, Dorian expresses the desire to sell his soul, to ensure that the picture, rather than he, will age and fade. The wish is granted, and Dorian pursues a libertine life of varied and amoral experiences, while staying young and beautiful; all the while his portrait ages and records every soul-corrupting sin.

'The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.' When Dorian Gray has his portrait painted, he is captivated by his own beauty. Tempted by his world-weary, decadent friend Lord Henry Wotton, he wishes to stay forever young, and pledges his very soul to keep his good looks. Set in fin-de-siécle London, the novel traces a path from the studio of painter Basil Hallward to the opium dens of the East End. As Dorian's slide into crime and cruelty progresses he stays magically youthful, while his beautiful portrait changes, revealing the hideous corruption of moral decay. Ever since its first publication in 1890 Wilde's only novel has remained the subject of critical controversy. Acclaimed by some as an instructive moral tale, it has been denounced by others for its implicit immorality. Combining elements of the supernatural, aestheticism, and the Gothic, The Picture of Dorian Gray is an unclassifiable and uniquely unsettling work of fiction. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

The Picture of Dorian Gray is an 1891 philosophical novel by Irish writer and playwright Oscar Wilde. First published as a serial story in the July 1890 issue of Lippincott's Monthly Magazine, the editors feared the story was indecent, and without Wilde's knowledge, deleted five hundred words before publication. Despite that censorship, The Picture of Dorian Gray offended the moral sensibilities of British book reviewers, some of whom said that Oscar Wilde merited prosecution for violating the laws guarding the public morality. In response, Wilde aggressively defended his novel and art in correspondence with the British press. Wilde revised and expanded the magazine edition of The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890) for publication as a novel; the book edition (1891) featured an aphoristic preface

HarperCollins is proud to present its new range of best-loved, essential classics. ‘The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.’ When Basil Hallward paints the portrait of young, handsome Dorian Gray, he falls prey to his dazzling beauty. Afraid that his youth and looks will waste away, Dorian expresses a wish that his portrait, and not he, will age and fade over time. His wish is granted, and over the ensuing years, Dorian indulges in every kind of vice and pleasure, never ageing nor disfiguring. Only his portrait, hidden to the world, bears the marks of his actions, and as his soul grows ever more wasted and corrupted, devastating consequences lie in wait. The Picture of Dorian Gray is an exploration of the purpose of art, the superficial nature of youth and beauty, and the conflict between morality and intemperance. First published in its complete, uncensored form in 1891, it is Oscar Wilde’s only novel.

HarperCollins is proud to present its new range of best-loved, essential classics. ‘The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.’ When Basil Hallward paints the portrait of young, handsome Dorian Gray, he falls prey to his dazzling beauty. Afraid that his youth and looks will waste away, Dorian expresses a wish that his portrait, and not he, will age and fade over time. His wish is granted, and over the ensuing years, Dorian indulges in every kind of vice and pleasure, never ageing nor disfiguring. Only his portrait, hidden to the world, bears the marks of his actions, and as his soul grows ever more wasted and corrupted, devastating consequences lie in wait. The Picture of Dorian Gray is an exploration of the purpose of art, the superficial nature of youth and beauty, and the conflict between morality and intemperance. First published in its complete, uncensored form in 1891, it is Oscar Wilde’s only novel.

The classic Oscar Wilde story brought to life. "The Picture of Dorian Gray" begins on a beautiful summer day in Victorian era England, where Lord Henry Wotton, an opinionated man, is observing the sensitive artist Basil Hallward painting the portrait of Dorian Gray, a handsome young man who is Basil's ultimate muse. While sitting for the painting, Dorian listens to Lord Henry espousing his hedonistic world view and begins to think that beauty is the only aspect of life worth pursuing, prompting Dorian to wish that his portrait would age instead of himself. Under Lord Henry's hedonistic influence, Dorian fully explores his sensuality. He discovers the actress Sibyl Vane, who performs Shakespeare plays in a dingy, working-class theatre. Dorian approaches and courts her, and soon proposes marriage. The enamoured Sibyl calls him "Prince Charming", and swoons with the happiness of being loved, but her protective brother, James, warns that if "Prince Charming" harms her, he will murder him. Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish playwright, novelist, essayist, and poet, famous for "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and "The Importance of Being Earnest" to name a couple. He was believed to be gay and met a lot of resistance in his life on that account. He died in Paris at the age of 46. Fil størrelse: 365290 KB Indlæst af: Gerry O'brien

The classic Oscar Wilde story brought to life. "The Picture of Dorian Gray" begins on a beautiful summer day in Victorian era England, where Lord Henry Wotton, an opinionated man, is observing the sensitive artist Basil Hallward painting the portrait of Dorian Gray, a handsome young man who is Basil's ultimate muse. While sitting for the painting, Dorian listens to Lord Henry espousing his hedonistic world view and begins to think that beauty is the only aspect of life worth pursuing, prompting Dorian to wish that his portrait would age instead of himself. Under Lord Henry's hedonistic influence, Dorian fully explores his sensuality. He discovers the actress Sibyl Vane, who performs Shakespeare plays in a dingy, working-class theatre. Dorian approaches and courts her, and soon proposes marriage. The enamoured Sibyl calls him "Prince Charming", and swoons with the happiness of being loved, but her protective brother, James, warns that if "Prince Charming" harms her, he will murder him. Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish playwright, novelist, essayist, and poet, famous for "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and "The Importance of Being Earnest" to name a couple. He was believed to be gay and met a lot of resistance in his life on that account. He died in Paris at the age of 46. Fil størrelse: 365290 KB Indlæst af: Gerry O'brien

The Picture of Dorian Gray is an 1891 philosophical novel by Irish writer and playwright Oscar Wilde. First published as a serial story in the July 1890 issue of Lippincott's Monthly Magazine, the editors feared the story was indecent, and without Wilde's knowledge, deleted five hundred words before publication. Despite that censorship, The Picture of Dorian Gray offended the moral sensibilities of British book reviewers, some of whom said that Oscar Wilde merited prosecution for violating the laws guarding the public morality. In response, Wilde aggressively defended his novel and art in correspondence with the British press. Wilde revised and expanded the magazine edition of The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890) for publication as a novel; the book edition (1891) featured an aphoristic preface

The Picture of Dorian Gray is Oscar Wilde's only novel, blending Gothic horror with philosophical musings on beauty, morality, and hedonism. The story follows Dorian Gray, a young man whose portrait ages and records his sins while he remains physically unchanged. As he indulges in a life of excess and corruption, the painting reveals the true cost of his vanity and moral decay. Wilde's novel is a sharp critique of societal superficiality and the dangers of unchecked desire, making it one of the most enduring works of decadent literature.

HarperCollins is proud to present its range of best-loved, essential classics. ‘The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.’ When Basil Hallward paints the portrait of young, handsome Dorian Gray, he falls prey to his dazzling beauty. Afraid that his youth and looks will waste away, Dorian expresses a wish that his portrait, and not he, will age and fade over time. His wish is granted, and over the ensuing years, Dorian indulges in every kind of vice and pleasure, never ageing nor disfiguring. Only his portrait, hidden to the world, bears the marks of his actions, and as his soul grows ever more wasted and corrupted, devastating consequences lie in wait. The Picture of Dorian Gray is an exploration of the purpose of art, the superficial nature of youth and beauty, and the conflict between morality and intemperance. First published in its complete, uncensored form in 1891, it is Oscar Wilde’s only novel.

'A triumph of execution ... one of the best narratives of the "double life" of a Victorian gentleman' Peter Ackroyd Oscar Wilde's alluring novel of decadence and sin was a succès de scandale on publication. It follows Dorian Gray who, enthralled by his own exquisite portrait, exchanges his soul for eternal youth and beauty. Influenced by his friend Lord Henry Wotton, he is drawn into a corrupt double life, indulging his desires in secret while remaining a gentleman in the eyes of polite society. Only his portrait bears the traces of his depravity. This definitive edition includes a selection of contemporary reviews condemning the novel's immorality. Edited with an Introduction and notes by ROBERT MIGHALL

Dorian Gray is arrogant. He is pompous, selfish, devastatingly narcissistic, and for much of his life he has never had to think twice about the ramifications of his actions. When the arrival of artist Basil Hallard forces Gray to confront his deepest insecurities, Dorian's most vulnerable self is imminently revealed. After having traded his righteousness for riches, Dorian Gray becomes faced with many regrettable truths he must learn to tackle head on. Needing to own up to his actions, Gray must finally learn to deal with the consequences of living a life that completely self-obsessed. Gripping with relatable prose analogous to the many conundrums of growing up, Wilde weaves a narrative of both self-desire and self-actualization. The Picture of Dorian Gray is a true coming of age tale in a time where the glamour of appearances was as heavy as the currency in your pocket.

"The Picture of Dorian Gray" er en af den klassiske litteraturs store værker. Oscar Wildes fortælling om den forfængelige Dorian Gray, der lader et portræt aldre for ham er både universel og et portræt af Wildes samtid. Gray er først meget tilfreds, men han bliver langsomt fanget i en ond cirkel, der driver ham i fordærv. Som medlem af samfundets øverste lag er udseendet af største vigtighed. Det aldrende portræt bliver derfor en større og større hemmelighed, der for alt i verden ikke må se dagens lys. "The Picture of Dorian Gray" er fortællingen om ondskaben, der ligger begravet dybt i menneskets hjerte.

HarperCollins is proud to present its range of best-loved, essential classics. ‘The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.’ When Basil Hallward paints the portrait of young, handsome Dorian Gray, he falls prey to his dazzling beauty. Afraid that his youth and looks will waste away, Dorian expresses a wish that his portrait, and not he, will age and fade over time. His wish is granted, and over the ensuing years, Dorian indulges in every kind of vice and pleasure, never ageing nor disfiguring. Only his portrait, hidden to the world, bears the marks of his actions, and as his soul grows ever more wasted and corrupted, devastating consequences lie in wait. The Picture of Dorian Gray is an exploration of the purpose of art, the superficial nature of youth and beauty, and the conflict between morality and intemperance. First published in its complete, uncensored form in 1891, it is Oscar Wilde’s only novel.

"The Picture of Dorian Gray" er en af den klassiske litteraturs store værker. Oscar Wildes fortælling om den forfængelige Dorian Gray, der lader et portræt aldre for ham er både universel og et portræt af Wildes samtid. Gray er først meget tilfreds, men han bliver langsomt fanget i en ond cirkel, der driver ham i fordærv. Som medlem af samfundets øverste lag er udseendet af største vigtighed. Det aldrende portræt bliver derfor en større og større hemmelighed, der for alt i verden ikke må se dagens lys. "The Picture of Dorian Gray" er fortællingen om ondskaben, der ligger begravet dybt i menneskets hjerte.

Dorian Gray is arrogant. He is pompous, selfish, devastatingly narcissistic, and for much of his life he has never had to think twice about the ramifications of his actions. When the arrival of artist Basil Hallard forces Gray to confront his deepest insecurities, Dorian's most vulnerable self is imminently revealed. After having traded his righteousness for riches, Dorian Gray becomes faced with many regrettable truths he must learn to tackle head on. Needing to own up to his actions, Gray must finally learn to deal with the consequences of living a life that completely self-obsessed. Gripping with relatable prose analogous to the many conundrums of growing up, Wilde weaves a narrative of both self-desire and self-actualization. The Picture of Dorian Gray is a true coming of age tale in a time where the glamour of appearances was as heavy as the currency in your pocket.

Horror hides behind an attractive face in The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde's tale of a notorious Victorian libertine and his life of evil excesses. Though Dorian's hedonistic indulgences leave no blemish on his ageless features, the painted portrait imbued with his soul proves a living catalogue of corruption, revealing in its every new line and lesion the manifold sins he has committed. Desperate to hide the physical evidence of his unregenerate spirit, Dorian will stop at nothing—not even murder—to keep his picture's existence a secret. A scandalous story when it was first published in 1890, The Picture of Dorian Gray is acknowledged as a landmark of literature today and a tale emblematic of its time. This volume is one of Barnes & Noble's Collectible Editions classics. Each volume features authoritative texts by the world's greatest authors in an exquisitely designed foil-stamped binding, with distinctive colored edging and an attractive ribbon bookmark. Decorative, durable, and collectible, these books offer hours of pleasure to readers young and old and are an indispensable cornerstone for any home library.

Little treasures, the FLAME TREE COLLECTABLE CLASSICS are chosen to create a delightful and timeless home library. Each stunning, gift edition features deluxe cover treatments, ribbon markers, luxury endpapers and gilded edges. The unabridged text is accompanied by a Glossary of Victorian and Literary terms produced for the modern reader. The young, beautiful and highly susceptible Dorian Gray is pulled into the hedonistic haze of London’s high society, where he falls under the pernicious influence of Lord Henry Wotton. Oscar Wilde’s nightmarish tale gorges on pleasure and sin, corruption and vanity, as the story takes further dark twists and a Faustian deal threatens Gray’s very soul. He will go to any lengths to keep his fleeting beauty and youth, but his painted portrait reveals the truth of his dark and twisted nature, changing its appearance at every misdeed, until the monstrous horror of Dorian’s scarred soul is too much for him to bear.

Wilde's only novel, first published in 1890, is a brilliantly designed puzzle, intended to tease conventional minds with its exploration of the myriad interrelationships between art, life, and consequence. From its provocative Preface, challenging the reader to believe in 'art for art's sake', to its sensational conclusion, the story self-consciously experiments with the notion of sin as an element of design. Yet Wilde himself underestimated the consequences of his experiment, and its capacity to outrage the Victorian establishment. Its words returned to haunt him in his court appearances in 1895, and he later recalled the 'note of doom' which runs like 'a purple thread' through its carefully crafted prose.

Little treasures, the FLAME TREE COLLECTABLE CLASSICS are chosen to create a delightful and timeless home library. Each stunning, gift edition features deluxe cover treatments, ribbon markers, luxury endpapers and gilded edges. The unabridged text is accompanied by a Glossary of Victorian and Literary terms produced for the modern reader. The young, beautiful and highly susceptible Dorian Gray is pulled into the hedonistic haze of London’s high society, where he falls under the pernicious influence of Lord Henry Wotton. Oscar Wilde’s nightmarish tale gorges on pleasure and sin, corruption and vanity, as the story takes further dark twists and a Faustian deal threatens Gray’s very soul. He will go to any lengths to keep his fleeting beauty and youth, but his painted portrait reveals the truth of his dark and twisted nature, changing its appearance at every misdeed, until the monstrous horror of Dorian’s scarred soul is too much for him to bear.

Wilde's only novel, first published in 1890, is a brilliantly designed puzzle, intended to tease conventional minds with its exploration of the myriad interrelationships between art, life, and consequence. From its provocative Preface, challenging the reader to believe in 'art for art's sake', to its sensational conclusion, the story self-consciously experiments with the notion of sin as an element of design. Yet Wilde himself underestimated the consequences of his experiment, and its capacity to outrage the Victorian establishment. Its words returned to haunt him in his court appearances in 1895, and he later recalled the 'note of doom' which runs like 'a purple thread' through its carefully crafted prose.

'The Picture of Dorian Grey' ist ein perfektes Buch. Bis ins letzte ausgeklügelt ist die Balance zwischen Realität und Fiktion, messerscharf treffen die Paradoxien aufeinander, anregend sind nach wie vor die Thesen zu Kunst und Leben, überzeugend wirkt die Schilderung der Dekadenz, des Dandyismus und der Nachtseiten der Großstadt London, und das Verbrechen nimmt mit atemberaubender Subtilität seinen Lauf. Ungekürzte und unbearbeitete Textausgabe in der Originalsprache, mit Übersetzungen schwieriger Wörter am Fuß jeder Seite, Nachwort und Literaturhinweisen.

'The Picture of Dorian Grey' ist ein perfektes Buch. Bis ins letzte ausgeklügelt ist die Balance zwischen Realität und Fiktion, messerscharf treffen die Paradoxien aufeinander, anregend sind nach wie vor die Thesen zu Kunst und Leben, überzeugend wirkt die Schilderung der Dekadenz, des Dandyismus und der Nachtseiten der Großstadt London, und das Verbrechen nimmt mit atemberaubender Subtilität seinen Lauf. Ungekürzte und unbearbeitete Textausgabe in der Originalsprache, mit Übersetzungen schwieriger Wörter am Fuß jeder Seite, Nachwort und Literaturhinweisen.

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a philosophical novel by the writer Oscar Wilde. When the book was first published it was victim to censorship by he magazine's editor. Despite censorship, the novel still offended the moral sensibilities of British readers of the time. Wilde response to that is read in the preface of this book: "There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written, or badly written. That is all."

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a philosophical novel by the writer Oscar Wilde. When the book was first published it was victim to censorship by he magazine's editor. Despite censorship, the novel still offended the moral sensibilities of British readers of the time. Wilde response to that is read in the preface of this book: "There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written, or badly written. That is all."

"Youth! Youth! There is absolutely nothing in the world worth having but youth!" The Picture of Dorian Gray is an 1891 philosophical novel by Irish writer and playwright Oscar Wilde. This Gothic morality tale is the story of a man who, taken by his own beauty, pledges his soul in a desperate bid for eternal youth. But when his wish is granted, things go terribly wrong. A painting of Dorian begins to age in his place, while Dorian himself becomes a dangerous narcissist who destroys everyone standing in his way until the day he is forced to come face to face with the ugliness of his own conscience.

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. From the corner of the divan of Persian saddle-bags on which he was lying, smoking, as was his custom, innumerable cigarettes, Lord Henry Wotton could just catch the gleam of the honey-sweet and honey-coloured blossoms of a laburnum, whose tremulous branches seemed hardly able to bear the burden of a beauty so flamelike as theirs; and now and then the fantastic shadows of birds in flight flitted across the long tussore-silk curtains that were stretched in front of the huge window, producing a kind of momentary Japanese effect, and making him think of those pallid, jade-faced painters of Tokyo who, through the medium of an art that is necessarily immobile, seek to convey the sense of swiftness and motion. The sullen murmur of the bees shouldering their way through the long unmown grass, or circling with monotonous insistence round the dusty gilt horns of the straggling woodbine, seemed to make the stillness more oppressive. The dim roar of London was like the bourdon note of a distant organ.

A luxurious gift edition of Oscar Wilde's classic novel The Picture of Dorian Gray , presented with gold foil embossing and gilded page edges. In this cautionary tale, the handsome Dorian Gray wishes that his portrait should age rather than himself, and then launches on a life of excess and depravity, with shocking consequences. This timeless novel about the frailty of human beauty and sensual experience and the futility of vanity remains as powerful today as when it was first published in 1891. ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Ornate Classics are beautifully bound editions of iconic literary works across history. These compact, foil-embossed hardbacks are printed using deluxe ivory paper and make the perfect gift.

A luxurious gift edition of Oscar Wilde's classic novel The Picture of Dorian Gray , presented with gold foil embossing and gilded page edges. In this cautionary tale, the handsome Dorian Gray wishes that his portrait should age rather than himself, and then launches on a life of excess and depravity, with shocking consequences. This timeless novel about the frailty of human beauty and sensual experience and the futility of vanity remains as powerful today as when it was first published in 1891. ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Ornate Classics are beautifully bound editions of iconic literary works across history. These compact, foil-embossed hardbacks are printed using deluxe ivory paper and make the perfect gift.

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. From the corner of the divan of Persian saddle-bags on which he was lying, smoking, as was his custom, innumerable cigarettes, Lord Henry Wotton could just catch the gleam of the honey-sweet and honey-coloured blossoms of a laburnum, whose tremulous branches seemed hardly able to bear the burden of a beauty so flamelike as theirs; and now and then the fantastic shadows of birds in flight flitted across the long tussore-silk curtains that were stretched in front of the huge window, producing a kind of momentary Japanese effect, and making him think of those pallid, jade-faced painters of Tokyo who, through the medium of an art that is necessarily immobile, seek to convey the sense of swiftness and motion. The sullen murmur of the bees shouldering their way through the long unmown grass, or circling with monotonous insistence round the dusty gilt horns of the straggling woodbine, seemed to make the stillness more oppressive. The dim roar of London was like the bourdon note of a distant organ.

2019 Reprint of 1891 Edition. Dorian Gray is the subject of a full-length portrait in oil by Basil Hallward, an artist impressed and infatuated by Dorian's beauty. Hallward believes that Dorian's beauty is responsible for his new inspiration as a painter. Through Basil, Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton, and Dorian is soon enthralled by the aristocrat's hedonistic world view: that beauty and sensual fulfilment are the only things worth pursuing in life. Newly understanding that his beauty will fade, Dorian expresses the desire to sell his soul, to ensure that the picture, rather than he, will age and fade. The wish is granted, and Dorian pursues a libertine life of varied amoral experiences while staying young and beautiful; all the while, his portrait ages and records every sin. This work, Wilde's only novel, is a knowing account of a secret life and an analysis of the darker side of late Victorian society. The Picture of Dorian Gray offers a disturbing portrait of an individual coming face to face with the reality of his soul. Shocking in its suggestion of unspeakable sin, this novel was later used as evidence against Wilde when he was tried for indecency in 1895.

2019 Reprint of 1891 Edition. Dorian Gray is the subject of a full-length portrait in oil by Basil Hallward, an artist impressed and infatuated by Dorian's beauty. Hallward believes that Dorian's beauty is responsible for his new inspiration as a painter. Through Basil, Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton, and Dorian is soon enthralled by the aristocrat's hedonistic world view: that beauty and sensual fulfilment are the only things worth pursuing in life. Newly understanding that his beauty will fade, Dorian expresses the desire to sell his soul, to ensure that the picture, rather than he, will age and fade. The wish is granted, and Dorian pursues a libertine life of varied amoral experiences while staying young and beautiful; all the while, his portrait ages and records every sin. This work, Wilde's only novel, is a knowing account of a secret life and an analysis of the darker side of late Victorian society. The Picture of Dorian Gray offers a disturbing portrait of an individual coming face to face with the reality of his soul. Shocking in its suggestion of unspeakable sin, this novel was later used as evidence against Wilde when he was tried for indecency in 1895.

Oscar Wilde's only novel is the dreamlike story of a young man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty. Now, distinctively packaged with a beautifully designed jacket by noted illustrator Malika Favre. When handsome young Dorian Gray sees a painter's stunning portrait of him, he is transfixed by its reflection of his own beauty. He is also troubled by the knowledge that the image in the painting will remain forever youthful and handsome while he himself will grow older and less desirable. He wishes aloud that the roles were reversed, saying that he would give his soul if only the painting would suffer the ravages of time and he were to remain forever young. From that point on, Dorian lives a life of hedonistic indulgence, knowing that only the painting will show his moral corruption.

The Picture of Dorian Gray is Oscar Wilde's only novel, blending Gothic horror with philosophical musings on beauty, morality, and hedonism. The story follows Dorian Gray, a young man whose portrait ages and records his sins while he remains physically unchanged. As he indulges in a life of excess and corruption, the painting reveals the true cost of his vanity and moral decay. Wilde's novel is a sharp critique of societal superficiality and the dangers of unchecked desire, making it one of the most enduring works of decadent literature.

Oscar Wilde's only novel is the dreamlike story of a young man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty. Now, distinctively packaged with a beautifully designed jacket by noted illustrator Malika Favre. When handsome young Dorian Gray sees a painter's stunning portrait of him, he is transfixed by its reflection of his own beauty. He is also troubled by the knowledge that the image in the painting will remain forever youthful and handsome while he himself will grow older and less desirable. He wishes aloud that the roles were reversed, saying that he would give his soul if only the painting would suffer the ravages of time and he were to remain forever young. From that point on, Dorian lives a life of hedonistic indulgence, knowing that only the painting will show his moral corruption.

This Norton Critical Edition includes: The 1890 (Lippincott’s Magazine) version and the 1891 (book) version of the novel. Under the editorial guidance of Wilde scholar Michael Patrick Gillespie, students have the opportunity to comparatively read and analyse both texts of this controversial novel. Editorial matter by Michael Patrick Gillespie. “Backgrounds” and “Reviews and Reactions” sections that allow readers to gauge The Picture of Dorian Gray’s sensational reception and to consider the heated public debate over art and morality that followed—including Oscar Wilde’s vehement replies to individual critics. Seven critical essays—six of them new to the Third Edition—that address the novel’s major themes: aestheticism, decadence and vice. Contributors include Joseph Carroll, Nils Clausson, Emily Eells, Michael Patrick Gillespie, Richard Haslam, Donald L. Lawler and Ellen Scheible. A chronology and a selected bibliography.

This Norton Critical Edition includes: The 1890 (Lippincott’s Magazine) version and the 1891 (book) version of the novel. Under the editorial guidance of Wilde scholar Michael Patrick Gillespie, students have the opportunity to comparatively read and analyse both texts of this controversial novel. Editorial matter by Michael Patrick Gillespie. “Backgrounds” and “Reviews and Reactions” sections that allow readers to gauge The Picture of Dorian Gray’s sensational reception and to consider the heated public debate over art and morality that followed—including Oscar Wilde’s vehement replies to individual critics. Seven critical essays—six of them new to the Third Edition—that address the novel’s major themes: aestheticism, decadence and vice. Contributors include Joseph Carroll, Nils Clausson, Emily Eells, Michael Patrick Gillespie, Richard Haslam, Donald L. Lawler and Ellen Scheible. A chronology and a selected bibliography.

It is probably one of the best-known and most influential works of world literature. The Picture of Dorian Gray is still required reading for schoolchildren around the globe, has been the subject of countless film and theater adaptations and, incidentally, is a frequently quoted metaphor: the young and extremely handsome Dorian, who is increasingly rotting and degenerating inside. His increasingly unloved point of reflection is a painting that ages in his place as Dorian makes a pact with evil to preserve eternal youth. Gröls Classics - English Edition

Do you want to read The Picture of Dorian Gray? If so then keep reading... In this celebrated work, his only novel, Wilde forged a devastating portrait of the effects of evil and debauchery on a young aesthete in late-19th-century England. Combining elements of the Gothic horror novel and decadent French fiction, the book centers on a striking premise: As Dorian Gray sinks into a life of crime and gross sensuality, his body retains perfect youth and vigor while his recently painted portrait grows day by day into a hideous record of evil, which he must keep hidden from the world. For over a century, this mesmerizing tale of horror and suspense has enjoyed wide popularity. It ranks as one of Wilde's most important creations and among the classic achievements of its kind. What are you waiting for The Picture of Dorian Gray is one click away, select the "Buy Now" button in the top right corner NOW!

Do you want to read The Picture of Dorian Gray? If so then keep reading... In this celebrated work, his only novel, Wilde forged a devastating portrait of the effects of evil and debauchery on a young aesthete in late-19th-century England. Combining elements of the Gothic horror novel and decadent French fiction, the book centers on a striking premise: As Dorian Gray sinks into a life of crime and gross sensuality, his body retains perfect youth and vigor while his recently painted portrait grows day by day into a hideous record of evil, which he must keep hidden from the world. For over a century, this mesmerizing tale of horror and suspense has enjoyed wide popularity. It ranks as one of Wilde's most important creations and among the classic achievements of its kind. What are you waiting for The Picture of Dorian Gray is one click away, select the "Buy Now" button in the top right corner NOW!

På en varm sommerdag i victoriatidens England besøger den charmerende og selvopslugte aristokrat Lord Henry sin gamle ven, kunstmaleren Basil Hallward, der er dybt opslugt af at opfange sin nye muses skønhed. Dorian Gray er smuk, ung og uskyldig, og Basil er dybt fortryllet af tanken om at gengive dette på et lærred. Det tager blot et par rammende, selvmodsigende, ualvorlige og amoralske ord fra Lord Henry, før Dorian indser livet og skønhedens flygtighed. Derfor ønsker han at sælge sin sjæl i bytte for altid at være ligeså ung og smuk som han ser ud på Basils portræt af ham. "The Picture of Dorian Gray" er fortællingen om Dorians syndefald, da hans evige skønhed giver ham direkte adgang til Londons oppulente overklasse. Modsat portrættet er Dorian nu uberørt af alder, synd og åndelig korruption, når han i smug udlever selv sit mørkeste begær. Oscar Wildes eneste roman, "The Picture of Dorian Gray", er en klassiker inden for britisk litteratur, der blandt andet beskæftiger sig med temaer såsom dekadence, hedonisme, dandyisme, moralitet og begær. Disse temaer var grund til at romanen blev brugt i retten som bevis mod Oscar Wilde, da han sagsøgt for homoseksualitet.

Oscar Wilde's surreal and haunting story of a beautiful young man who bargains his soul for eternal youth, now freshly repackaged for the Union Square & Co. Signature Clothbound Editions line. When handsome young Dorian Gray sees a painter’s stunning portrait of him, he is transfixed by its reflection of his own beauty. He is also troubled by the knowledge that the image in the painting will remain forever youthful and handsome while he himself will grow older and less desirable. He wishes aloud that the roles were reversed, saying that he would give his soul if only the painting would suffer the ravages of time and he were to remain forever young. From that point on, Dorian lives a life of hedonistic indulgence, knowing that only the painting will show his moral corruption. This edition also includes four additional stories from Oscar Wilde's fairy tale collection, A House of Pomegranates.

På en varm sommerdag i victoriatidens England besøger den charmerende og selvopslugte aristokrat Lord Henry sin gamle ven, kunstmaleren Basil Hallward, der er dybt opslugt af at opfange sin nye muses skønhed. Dorian Gray er smuk, ung og uskyldig, og Basil er dybt fortryllet af tanken om at gengive dette på et lærred. Det tager blot et par rammende, selvmodsigende, ualvorlige og amoralske ord fra Lord Henry, før Dorian indser livet og skønhedens flygtighed. Derfor ønsker han at sælge sin sjæl i bytte for altid at være ligeså ung og smuk som han ser ud på Basils portræt af ham. "The Picture of Dorian Gray" er fortællingen om Dorians syndefald, da hans evige skønhed giver ham direkte adgang til Londons oppulente overklasse. Modsat portrættet er Dorian nu uberørt af alder, synd og åndelig korruption, når han i smug udlever selv sit mørkeste begær. Oscar Wildes eneste roman, "The Picture of Dorian Gray", er en klassiker inden for britisk litteratur, der blandt andet beskæftiger sig med temaer såsom dekadence, hedonisme, dandyisme, moralitet og begær. Disse temaer var grund til at romanen blev brugt i retten som bevis mod Oscar Wilde, da han sagsøgt for homoseksualitet.

Oscar Wilde's surreal and haunting story of a beautiful young man who bargains his soul for eternal youth, now freshly repackaged for the Union Square & Co. Signature Clothbound Editions line. When handsome young Dorian Gray sees a painter’s stunning portrait of him, he is transfixed by its reflection of his own beauty. He is also troubled by the knowledge that the image in the painting will remain forever youthful and handsome while he himself will grow older and less desirable. He wishes aloud that the roles were reversed, saying that he would give his soul if only the painting would suffer the ravages of time and he were to remain forever young. From that point on, Dorian lives a life of hedonistic indulgence, knowing that only the painting will show his moral corruption. This edition also includes four additional stories from Oscar Wilde's fairy tale collection, A House of Pomegranates.

The Picture of Dorian Gray is Oscar Wilde's only novel, blending Gothic horror with philosophical musings on beauty, morality, and hedonism. The story follows Dorian Gray, a young man whose portrait ages and records his sins while he remains physically unchanged. As he indulges in a life of excess and corruption, the painting reveals the true cost of his vanity and moral decay. Wilde's novel is a sharp critique of societal superficiality and the dangers of unchecked desire, making it one of the most enduring works of decadent literature.

Do you want to read The Picture of Dorian Gray? If so then keep reading... In this celebrated work, his only novel, Wilde forged a devastating portrait of the effects of evil and debauchery on a young aesthete in late-19th-century England. Combining elements of the Gothic horror novel and decadent French fiction, the book centers on a striking premise: As Dorian Gray sinks into a life of crime and gross sensuality, his body retains perfect youth and vigor while his recently painted portrait grows day by day into a hideous record of evil, which he must keep hidden from the world. For over a century, this mesmerizing tale of horror and suspense has enjoyed wide popularity. It ranks as one of Wilde's most important creations and among the classic achievements of its kind. What are you waiting for The Picture of Dorian Gray is one click away, select the "Buy Now" button in the top right corner NOW

Do you want to read The Picture of Dorian Gray? If so then keep reading... In this celebrated work, his only novel, Wilde forged a devastating portrait of the effects of evil and debauchery on a young aesthete in late-19th-century England. Combining elements of the Gothic horror novel and decadent French fiction, the book centers on a striking premise: As Dorian Gray sinks into a life of crime and gross sensuality, his body retains perfect youth and vigor while his recently painted portrait grows day by day into a hideous record of evil, which he must keep hidden from the world. For over a century, this mesmerizing tale of horror and suspense has enjoyed wide popularity. It ranks as one of Wilde's most important creations and among the classic achievements of its kind. What are you waiting for The Picture of Dorian Gray is one click away, select the "Buy Now" button in the top right corner NOW

A beautiful young man stays untouched by age while his hidden portrait records every act of corruption. This beautiful deluxe gift edition presents Oscar Wilde’s decadent Gothic novel in a hardback with foiled covers, marbled endpaper, sprayed edges, beautiful paper and a silk ribbon. Dorian Gray is young, beautiful and easily enthralled by Lord Henry Wotton’s glittering ideas about pleasure. When Basil Hallward paints his portrait, Dorian wishes that the image might age in his place. The wish comes true. As he drifts through luxury, corruption, cruelty and crime, his face remains untouched while the hidden portrait records every stain on his soul. The Picture of Dorian Gray is a classic novel about beauty, youth, vanity, temptation and moral decay. This Vintage Collector’s Classics edition is a striking gift for Wilde readers, Gothic fiction fans and collectors seeking a deluxe sprayed-edge classic.

A beautiful young man stays untouched by age while his hidden portrait records every act of corruption. This beautiful deluxe gift edition presents Oscar Wilde’s decadent Gothic novel in a hardback with foiled covers, marbled endpaper, sprayed edges, beautiful paper and a silk ribbon. Dorian Gray is young, beautiful and easily enthralled by Lord Henry Wotton’s glittering ideas about pleasure. When Basil Hallward paints his portrait, Dorian wishes that the image might age in his place. The wish comes true. As he drifts through luxury, corruption, cruelty and crime, his face remains untouched while the hidden portrait records every stain on his soul. The Picture of Dorian Gray is a classic novel about beauty, youth, vanity, temptation and moral decay. This Vintage Collector’s Classics edition is a striking gift for Wilde readers, Gothic fiction fans and collectors seeking a deluxe sprayed-edge classic.

Horror hides behind an attractive face in The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde's tale of a notorious Victorian libertine and his life of evil excesses. Though Dorian's hedonistic indulgences leave no blemish on his ageless features, the painted portrait imbued with his soul proves a living catalogue of corruption, revealing in its every new line and lesion the manifold sins he has committed. Desperate to hide the physical evidence of his unregenerate spirit, Dorian will stop at nothing—not even murder—to keep his picture's existence a secret. A scandalous story when it was first published in 1890, The Picture of Dorian Gray is acknowledged as a landmark of literature today and a tale emblematic of its time. This volume is one of Barnes & Noble's Collectible Editions classics. Each volume features authoritative texts by the world's greatest authors in an exquisitely designed foil-stamped binding, with distinctive colored edging and an attractive ribbon bookmark. Decorative, durable, and collectible, these books offer hours of pleasure to readers young and old and are an indispensable cornerstone for any home library.

Part of the Chiltern Classics range. When having his portrait painted, Dorian Gray declares he would give anything to stay youthful - even his soul. Dorian descends into a life of decadent excess, and while he retains his youthful looks, the portrait becomes horrifically disfigured. Oscar Wilde's only novel is a dark, Faustian fable of wish fulfilment that leads to an inescapable day of reckoning. Chiltern are publishers of exquisitely crafted editions of the world's finest classic literature. These beautiful books are a perfect mix of tradition and the very latest in printing techniques. With wonderful original, detailed and embossed covers, sparkling gilt edges, cream art paper, ribbon markers and stitched binding they are simply the most beautiful classics ever published.

Part of the Chiltern Classics range. When having his portrait painted, Dorian Gray declares he would give anything to stay youthful - even his soul. Dorian descends into a life of decadent excess, and while he retains his youthful looks, the portrait becomes horrifically disfigured. Oscar Wilde's only novel is a dark, Faustian fable of wish fulfilment that leads to an inescapable day of reckoning. Chiltern are publishers of exquisitely crafted editions of the world's finest classic literature. These beautiful books are a perfect mix of tradition and the very latest in printing techniques. With wonderful original, detailed and embossed covers, sparkling gilt edges, cream art paper, ribbon markers and stitched binding they are simply the most beautiful classics ever published.

Horror hides behind an attractive face in The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde's tale of a notorious Victorian libertine and his life of evil excesses. Though Dorian's hedonistic indulgences leave no blemish on his ageless features, the painted portrait imbued with his soul proves a living catalogue of corruption, revealing in its every new line and lesion the manifold sins he has committed. Desperate to hide the physical evidence of his unregenerate spirit, Dorian will stop at nothing—not even murder—to keep his picture's existence a secret. A scandalous story when it was first published in 1890, The Picture of Dorian Gray is acknowledged as a landmark of literature today and a tale emblematic of its time. This volume is one of Barnes & Noble's Collectible Editions classics. Each volume features authoritative texts by the world's greatest authors in an exquisitely designed foil-stamped binding, with distinctive colored edging and an attractive ribbon bookmark. Decorative, durable, and collectible, these books offer hours of pleasure to readers young and old and are an indispensable cornerstone for any home library.

The Picture of Dorian Gray is Oscar Wilde's only novel, blending Gothic horror with philosophical musings on beauty, morality, and hedonism. The story follows Dorian Gray, a young man whose portrait ages and records his sins while he remains physically unchanged. As he indulges in a life of excess and corruption, the painting reveals the true cost of his vanity and moral decay. Wilde's novel is a sharp critique of societal superficiality and the dangers of unchecked desire, making it one of the most enduring works of decadent literature.

The Picture of Dorian Gray altered the way Victorians understood the world they inhabited. It heralded the end of a repressive Victorianism, and after its publication, literature had-in the words of biographer Richard Ellmann-"a different look." Yet the Dorian Gray that Victorians never knew was even more daring than the novel the British press condemned as "vulgar," "unclean," "poisonous," "discreditable," and "a sham." Now, more than 120 years after Wilde handed it over to his publisher, J. B. Lippincott & Company, Wilde's uncensored typescript is published for the first time, in an annotated, extensively illustrated edition. The novel's first editor, J. M. Stoddart, excised material-especially homosexual content-he thought would offend his readers' sensibilities. When Wilde enlarged the novel for the 1891 edition, he responded to his critics by further toning down its "immoral" elements. The differences between the text Wilde submitted to Lippincott and published versions of the novel have until now been evident to only the handful of scholars who have examined Wilde's typescript. Wilde famously said that Dorian Gray "contains much of me": Basil Hallward is "what I think I am," Lord Henry "what the world thinks me," and "Dorian what I would like to be-in other ages, perhaps." Wilde's comment suggests a backward glance to a Greek or Dorian Age, but also a forward-looking view to a more permissive time than his own, which saw Wilde sentenced to two years' hard labor for gross indecency. The appearance of Wilde's uncensored text is cause for celebration.

The Picture of Dorian Gray altered the way Victorians understood the world they inhabited. It heralded the end of a repressive Victorianism, and after its publication, literature had-in the words of biographer Richard Ellmann-"a different look." Yet the Dorian Gray that Victorians never knew was even more daring than the novel the British press condemned as "vulgar," "unclean," "poisonous," "discreditable," and "a sham." Now, more than 120 years after Wilde handed it over to his publisher, J. B. Lippincott & Company, Wilde's uncensored typescript is published for the first time, in an annotated, extensively illustrated edition. The novel's first editor, J. M. Stoddart, excised material-especially homosexual content-he thought would offend his readers' sensibilities. When Wilde enlarged the novel for the 1891 edition, he responded to his critics by further toning down its "immoral" elements. The differences between the text Wilde submitted to Lippincott and published versions of the novel have until now been evident to only the handful of scholars who have examined Wilde's typescript. Wilde famously said that Dorian Gray "contains much of me": Basil Hallward is "what I think I am," Lord Henry "what the world thinks me," and "Dorian what I would like to be-in other ages, perhaps." Wilde's comment suggests a backward glance to a Greek or Dorian Age, but also a forward-looking view to a more permissive time than his own, which saw Wilde sentenced to two years' hard labor for gross indecency. The appearance of Wilde's uncensored text is cause for celebration.

Dorian Gray is the subject of a full-length portrait in oil by Basil Hallward, an artist impressed and infatuated by Dorian's beauty; he believes that Dorian's beauty is responsible for the new mood in his art as a painter. Through Basil, Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton, and he soon is enthralled by the aristocrat's hedonistic world view: that beauty and sensual fulfilment are the only things worth pursuing in life. Newly understanding that his beauty will fade, Dorian expresses the desire to sell his soul, to ensure that the picture, rather than he, will age and fade. The wish is granted, and Dorian pursues a libertine life of varied amoral experiences while staying young and beautiful; all the while, his portrait ages and records every sin.