'The Picture of Dorian Gray' is the only novel to be written by the popular playwright and humourist Oscar Wilde. The story has been published in two versions, as a serial in the magazine 'Lippincott's Monthly Magazine' first seen in 1890, and as a book in 1891.
The story is a fine example of 19th century gothic literature, with themes that can trace their ancestry to Faust.
Basil Hallward is an artist who is infatuated with the beautiful Dorian Gray and decides to paint a full-length portrait of him. Dorian is introduced to Lord Henry Wotton by Basil and he soon finds himself influenced by the peer's view that beauty and sensual fulfilment are really the only things one should pursue in life.
Dorian becomes obsessed with maintaining his youth and sells his soul so that his portrait will age rather than he. Once the wish is granted Dorian sets out on a life of high living, while his portrait ages in the attic and keeps a record of every soul-corrupting sin that he commits. Soon, he will be brought to account for his life.