The Picture of Dorian Gray

An astounding novel of decadence, debauchery, and secrecy from one of Ireland's greatest writers. Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read

Enthralled by his own exquisite portrait, Dorian Gray makes a Faustian bargain to sell his soul in exchange for eternal youth and beauty. Under the influence of Lord Henry Wotton, he is drawn into a corrupt double life, where he is able to indulge his desires while remaining a gentleman in the eyes of polite society. Only Dorian's picture bears the traces of his decadence.

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.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

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Published Feb 4, 2003

304 pages

Average rating: 7.68

705 RATINGS

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faetedfantasy

Aug 18, 2024

8/10 stars

I grabbed this book to momentarily escape reality but I failed miserably. I must admit this book is one you pick up when you’ve been enjoying the countryside of France for a day too long and need a reminder of some reality rather than escaping it.

hershyv

Jun 09, 2025

10/10 stars

This book remains as relevant today as it was when written. Even today, so much of our society is obsessed with the aesthetics of beauty, but so often fails to see beauty in character and qualities. It's pretty clear that a society that puts beauty on a pedestal is really all about appearances. For Dorian, Lord Henry, Basil and their upscale friends, what really counts isn’t whether someone has a good heart, but if they’re good-looking. The writing is witty, the characters are intentionally unlikable, and the ending can be seen as eye-opening or sad depending on individual perspectives. This has always been one of my favorite books because it challenges us to reflect on our hypocrisy—how easily we condone the ugly actions of someone who is attractive, and how quickly we condemn those who are ugly for just existing.

Kul109

Apr 19, 2025

7/10 stars

Thought provoking, relevant to today. Oscar Wilde is cheeky

MichaelaG

Jan 14, 2025

7/10 stars

One chapter was super random, otherwise good, some things not fleshed out/loose ends

Anonymous

Jan 11, 2025

8/10 stars

This book was able to captivate me despite my dislike (?) for the main character Dorian. I had a certain view of this book coming into it, but it turned out to be a different tone than expected. Still, I enjoyed the flowery writing and the suspense, and although the ending was predictable, it was satisfying. In a way, itâs a Greek tragedy, a character ruined by his own best trait. And my poor Basil.. <3