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Journal Entry 1 by  KateKintail from Burke, Virginia USA on Thursday, October 26, 2006
 Bought at a library book sale; book is in great condition. I have another copy of this book on my 'To Be Read' bookshelf bookcase, so I'm bookcrossing with this one.
This is a complete and unabridged version of the classic story.
From the back:
When the exquisitely handsome Dorian Gray sees his portrait he dreams of remaining young forever while his painted image grows old and, in a sudden moment, he offers his soul in return for perpetual youth. While his beauty remains unblemished, the degredation of his soul as he surrenders to a worship of pleasure and infinite passion.
The Picture of Dorian Gray caused outrage when it was first published in 1890 and marked the onset of Oscar Wilde's fatal reputation and eventual downfall. An evocative portrayal of London life and a powerful blast against the hypocrisies of Victorian polite dociety it had become one of Oscar Wilde's most celebrated works, full of the flamboyant wit for which he is justly renowned.
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Journal Entry 4 by mustytomes from Chicago, Illinois USA on Tuesday, April 24, 2007
I read this book the first time, years ago, back in highschool. After so many years have passed and having also read a bit about Wilde's life, its like reading Dorian Gray with new eyes. Its so much more than a simple morality tale about the shadow self, in similar fashion to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Rather, its an insight into Wilde's inner confilcts between his career as a writer (as Basil), his society persona (as Harry), and his ... fondness for men and recreational pharmaceuticals (as Dorian). Most other characters seem to be versions of people Wilde knew - the two standing out the most to me being Harry's wife who seems to be a version of Wilde's wife, and Sybil who seems to be a mish of Wilde's first fiancee and an actress with whom he was smitten. The relationship between Sybil and Dorian seems to be Wilde's way of getting even with his first fiancee and his actress, as they both spurned him in real life. And Harry's wife eventually leaves Harry on account of his dandyism, as Wilde expected his own wife to do - although she never did.
Otherwise, the message is pretty clear: the debauch kills the artist and then himself in order to preserve the art qua art; society's life is never under threat, but is implicated as being responsible for tempting innocents into leading a sinful life.
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Journal Entry 6 by cheli-garza from Dallas, Texas USA on Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Thanks for the book, mustytomes! It's terrific of you. I'm putting this by on my bedroom bookshelf (well, it's a printer stand, but same thing). That way hopefully it won't be too long before I get to enjoy it. :)
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The Picture of Dorian Gray
