The Picture of Dorian Gray
**The Picture of Dorian Gray** is a philosophical novel by Irish writer Oscar Wilde. A shorter novella-length version was published in the July 1890 issue of the American periodical *Lippincott’s Monthly Magazine*. The novel-length version was published in April 1891. (Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Picture_of_Dorian_Gray))
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After painter Basil Hallward finishes a striking portrait of beautiful young Dorian Gray, Lord Henry Wotton's drawing-room talk convinces Dorian that his only true value is his youth. Dorian wishes the painting would age in his place. The wish takes hold, and the portrait begins to change.
Yes. The Picture of Dorian Gray was first published in 1890 (magazine) and 1891 (book) and is in the public domain. Free editions are available legally through Project Gutenberg.
Yes. The Picture of Dorian Gray was controversial at publication for its homoerotic undertones and decadent themes. Wilde's publisher cut a significant portion of the original manuscript before the 1891 book release; the uncensored version was finally published in 2011.
The Picture of Dorian Gray was written by Oscar Wilde, published in 1890 by Modern Library.
The Picture of Dorian Gray is 59 pages in standard print editions, though page counts vary slightly between hardcover, paperback, and large-print formats.
At an average reading pace of about 250 words per minute, The Picture of Dorian Gray takes most readers under an hour to finish.
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a standalone novel by Oscar Wilde, not part of a series.
The Picture of Dorian Gray is available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats from Amazon, Bookshop.org, ThriftBooks, and most major bookstores.