From wikipedia.org

The Picture of Dorian Gray is the only published novel by Oscar Wilde, appearing as the lead story in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine on 20 June 1890.[1] Wilde later revised this edition, making several alterations, and adding new chapters; the amended version was published by Ward, Lock, and Company in April 1891.[2] The story is often mistitled The Portrait of Dorian Gray.

The novel tells of a young man named Dorian Gray, the subject of a painting by artist Basil Hallward. Basil is impressed by Dorian's beauty and becomes infatuated with him, believing his beauty is responsible for a new mode in his art. Talking in Basil's garden, Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton, a friend of Basil's, and becomes enthralled by Lord Henry's world view. Espousing a new hedonism, Lord Henry suggests the only things worth pursuing in life are beauty and fulfilment of the senses. Realising that one day his beauty will fade, Dorian cries out, expressing his desire to sell his soul to ensure the portrait Basil has painted would age rather than himself. Dorian's wish is fulfilled, plunging him into debauched acts. The portrait serves as a reminder of the effect each act has upon his soul, with each sin displayed as a disfigurement of his form, or through a sign of aging.[3]

The Picture of Dorian Gray is considered one of the last works of classic gothic horror fiction with a strong Faustian theme.[4] It deals with the artistic movement of the decadents, and homosexuality,[attribution needed][clarification needed] both of which caused controversy when the book was published. However, in recent times, the book has been regarded as one of the modern classics of Western literature.[5]

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Books just wanna be free! See what I mean at:


To the winner of the 1001 books Sweepstake! Congrats!

Thanks lizzyblack for sending such a great book and bookmark. I read this book about 8 years ago so it will be great to read it again xx

Just as good the second time around (and such a beautiful copy). I wonder how my picture would look if that happened to me (although I would definitely not look, lol). Thanks for passing this book along to me lizzy, I had great fun reading it xx

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Off to Cassiopaeia.

If there are any more 1001 books that catch your eye then please just let me know if I can help and thank you once again for 'Wicked'.

Many thanks Daniele123, arrived in the post today.

This was my February read for the 1001 book challenge. Very interesting read and fortunately for me it is far too late for me to make any rash wishes such as Dorian Gray did. I'm glad I finally got around to reading this classic.

On the way to spursbythebeach in Swansea, Wales.

Arrived today, thanks cassiopaeia! Looking forward to starting it :-)

Well, this has ended up back in Cardiff! I shall wild release it in Coffee 1 in the city centre as cassopaeia has asked me to stock up their shelves when I can

Spreading the word of Book Crossing from Cardiff!

If you found this book, great! and thanks for coming to the site to journal it. I hope you enjoy BC'ing as much as I do and this book adds to the fun :-)