The Picture of Dorian Gray is Oscar Wilde’s only novel—and a haunting tale of beauty, desire, and moral decay. First published in 1890, the story follows the charming and wealthy Dorian Gray, who remains physically youthful while a hidden portrait bears the marks of his sins and aging. Guided by the hedonistic Lord Henry, Dorian indulges in a life of luxury and vice, untouched by the consequences that slowly distort his soul—and his portrait. Wilde’s rich prose, biting wit, and piercing critique of aestheticism and social hypocrisy make this novel a masterpiece of gothic fiction. Exploring themes of identity, corruption, and the nature of beauty, The Picture of Dorian Gray remains a chilling and provocative classic that continues to resonate with modern readers.
