In a few words
Wilde’s classic tale of beauty, hedonism and immortality
The story, lit by Wilde's aphoristic sparkle, is brilliant, as is Rupert Graves' finely judged narration.
More about
the book
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a groundbreaking novel that doesn’t shy away from broaching controversial issues such as homosexuality, hedonism and the quest for eternal youth. A story that has enjoyed countless stage and screen adaptations, 2009 saw the release of a major new Dorian Gray film starring Colin Firth, Rebecca Hall and Ben Barnes.
Artist Basil Hallward becomes enthralled by Dorian’s beauty and paints a stunning and lifelike picture of him. When the picture is completed, Dorian looks at it and declares that he would sell his soul to be as youthful and beautiful as the painting forever. In a classic case of ‘be careful what you wish for’, his wish is granted – but is it a blessing or a curse to have free rein to live to excess without any fear of the ravages of age or even of death?
