The Picture of Dorian Gray Paperback - 2010
by Oscar Wilde
About this book
"The Picture of Dorian Gray" is a classic novel by Oscar Wilde, first published in 1890. It tells the story of a young, handsome man named Dorian Gray, who becomes the subject of a portrait painted by an artist named Basil Hallward. Dorian is introduced to the pleasures of life by his friend, Lord Henry Wotton, who encourages him to pursue beauty and pleasure above all else.
Dorian becomes obsessed with his own youth and beauty, and he wishes that his portrait would age instead of him. His wish is granted, and he remains youthful while his portrait shows the physical and moral decay of his life. As Dorian becomes increasingly depraved, his portrait becomes more and more grotesque, reflecting the ugliness of his soul.
"The Picture of Dorian Gray" is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of beauty, morality, and the corrupting influence of society. It remains one of Oscar Wilde's most famous works and is widely regarded as a LGBTQ+ masterpiece of English literature.
Reader reviews for The Picture of Dorian Gray
Review summary
Readers widely praised Wilde’s razor-edged dialogue, quotable aphorisms, and the novel’s meditation on beauty, art, hedonism, and conscience. The magnetic pull of Lord Henry and his influence on Dorian—alongside sympathy for Basil—was a recurring focus, as were the Gothic premise and queer undertones. Many found the ending arresting. The most common complaints were uneven pacing and excess ornamentation—especially the catalog-like Chapter XI—plus occasionally thin motivations and an episodic feel. Several flagged dated prejudices. Overall, responses were strong but divided: for many, a brilliant, provocative classic; for others, an overlong philosophical showcase with standout moments.
Readers say this book is:
wittyornate prosethought-provokinguneven pacingdraggy Chapter 11powerful endingGothicphilosophicalpolarizinghomoerotic undertonesWrite a review for this book
Important Terms and Guidelines
- Please focus on the book’s content and context. Also, add any personal comments as to how you enjoyed the book. Substantiate your likes and dislikes. You may make comparisons to other books.
- Reviews must be at least 140 characters in length.
- Please do not reveal critical plot elements.
- This is not a help line. Contact customer support if you need help.
Your review must not include:
- Obscenities, discriminatory language, or other insulting language not suitable for public domain
- Advertisements, “spam” content, or references to other products, offers or websites.
- Email addresses, URLs, phone numbers, physical addresses or other contact information.
- Overly critical comments about other reviews or reviewers
- Time-sensitive material (i.e. promotional tours, seminars, lectures, etc.)
- Availability, price, or alternative ordering/shipping information
From the publisher
First edition identification
Ward, Lock published a First UK Edition, First Printing hardcover in 1891, London. The edition is characterized by vellum backed boards.
Charles Carrington published a First Illustrated Edition, First Printing in 1908, Paris. Finely bound by the Chelsea Bindery in purple morocco, spine lettered and decorated in gilt, raised bands, marbled endpapers, and gilt edges.
John Lane Bodley Head & Dodd Mead published a First Illustrated Edition Thus, First Printing in 1925, US. The edition is bound in cloth boards with 12 full page engravings by Henry Keen.
Brentano’s published a First US Edition, First Printing in 1906, New York.
The World Publishing Co., published a Towers-Books-Edition, First Printing in 1944.
Heritage Press published a First Edition Thus, First Printing hardcover in 1957, New York.
Details
- Title The Picture of Dorian Gray
- Author Oscar Wilde
- Series Collins Classics
- Binding Paperback
- Edition Reprint
- Pages 272
- Volumes 1
- Language ENG
- Publisher William Collins
- Publication date 2010-04
- ISBN 9780007351053 / 0007351054
- Weight 0.33 lbs (0.15 kg)
- Dimensions 7 x 4.38 x 0.69 in (17.78 x 11.13 x 1.75 cm)
- Age range 10 to 13 years
- Grade levels 5 - 8
- Reading level 920
- Category Literature - Classics / Criticism
About the author
More Copies for Sale
The Picture of Dorian Gray: An essential, best-loved classic (Collins Classics)
by Wilde, Oscar
- Used
- Very good
- Paperback
- Condition
- Very good
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780007351053 / 0007351054
- Quantity available
- 30
- Seller
- Item price
-
A$1.96A$16.76 Delivery to USA
Show details
The Picture of Dorian Gray: An essential, best-loved classic (Collins Classics)
by Wilde, Oscar
- Used
- Acceptable
- Paperback
- Condition
- Acceptable
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780007351053 / 0007351054
- Quantity available
- 2
- Seller
- Item price
-
A$1.96A$16.76 Delivery to USA
Show details
The Picture Of Dorian Gray
by Wilde, Oscar,
- New
- Condition
- New
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780007351053 / 0007351054
- Quantity available
- 5
- Seller
- Item price
-
A$5.92A$5.87 Delivery to USA
Show details
The Picture of Dorian Gray (Collins Classics)
by Oscar Wilde
- Used
- Very good
- Paperback
- Condition
- Very good
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780007351053 / 0007351054
- Quantity available
- 6
- Seller
- Item price
-
A$9.54Free Delivery to USA
Show details
The Picture of Dorian Gray (Collins Classics)
by Oscar Wilde
- Used
- Acceptable
- Paperback
- Condition
- Acceptable
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780007351053 / 0007351054
- Quantity available
- 2
- Seller
- Item price
-
A$9.54Free Delivery to USA
Show details
The Picture of Dorian Gray (Collins Classics)
by Oscar Wilde
- Used
- Good
- Paperback
- Condition
- Good
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780007351053 / 0007351054
- Quantity available
- 9
- Seller
- Item price
-
A$9.54Free Delivery to USA
Show details
The Picture of Dorian Gray (Collins Classics)
by Wilde, Oscar
- New
- Paperback
- Condition
- New
- Edition
- Reprint
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780007351053 / 0007351054
- Quantity available
- 6
- Seller
- Item price
-
A$10.70Free Delivery to USA
Show details
The Picture of Dorian Gray (Collins Classics)
by Wilde, Oscar
- Used
- Condition
- Used
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780007351053 / 0007351054
- Quantity available
- 2
- Seller
- Item price
-
A$12.73Free Delivery to USA
Show details
The Picture of Dorian Gray (Collins Classics)
by Wilde, Oscar
- Used
- Paperback
- Condition
- Used
- Edition
- Reprint
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780007351053 / 0007351054
- Quantity available
- 1
- Seller
- Item price
-
A$13.55Free Delivery to USA
Show details
The Picture of Dorian Gray (Collins Classics)
by Wilde, Oscar
- Used
- Good
- Paperback
- Condition
- Good
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780007351053 / 0007351054
- Quantity available
- 1
- Seller
- Item price
-
A$15.08Free Delivery to USA