“Beauty is a form of genius – and it's higher than genius, for it does not require interpretation.” One of the most unconventional novels of modern times, The Picture of Dorian Gray tells the shocking story of the libertine Dorian, who, captivated by the extraordinarily beautiful portrait painted by the artist Basil Hallward, sells his soul in exchange for eternal youth and eternal beauty.
Under the influence of his friend, Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian will surrender to a debauched lifestyle that he keeps secret from the high society in whose eyes he remains a gentleman. The portrait, in contrast to his flawless appearance, bears the marks of his decay.
The hints at the unspeakable sins that the hero indulges in caused a scandal when the book was first published in 1891 – the book was used as evidence in Oscar Wilde's trial in 1895. Of course, British critics of the time did not warmly welcome this work, although the words of its author, “Leave my book, please, in the immortality it deserves,” proved rather prophetic.
Today, although more than a hundred years have passed since its first publication, the Faustian tale of moral decay by Oscar Wilde continues to captivate.
Read an excerpt
From the very first moment, I understood that I was facing such an attractive personality that, if I gave in to its charm, it would absorb my entire being, my whole soul, even my very art. And I did not want any external influence in my life. You know, Harry, how independent I am by nature. I have always been master of myself; at least until the moment I met Dorian Gray. Then – but I don’t know how to explain it to you. It was as if something was telling me that I was on the brink of a terrible crisis in my life. I had a strange feeling that fate reserved for me exquisite joys and great sorrows. I was frightened and tried to leave the room. It was not conscience that pushed me to do it. It was a kind of cowardice. I do not consider it a boast that I tried to escape.
