The Picture of Dorian Gray

An astounding novel of decadence, debauchery, and secrecyfrom one of Ireland’s greatest writers.Nominated as one of Americasbest-loved novels by PBSsThe Great American Read

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

A knowing account of a secret life and an analysis of thedarker side of late Victorian society.The Picture of Dorian Grayoffersa disturbing portrait of an individual coming face to face with the reality ofhis soul.Shocking in its suggestion of unspeakable sin, this novel waslater used as evidence against Wilde when he was tried for indecency in1895.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classicliterature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700titles,Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughouthistory and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust theseries toprovide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes bydistinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well asup-to-datetranslations by award-winning translators.

About the Author

Oscar Wilde(18541900) was an Irish writer,poet, and playwright. His novel,The Picture of Dorian Gray,brought him lasting recognition, and he became one of the most successfulplaywrights of the late Victorian era with a series of witty social satires,including his masterpiece,The Importance of Being Earnest.