Written in Oscar Wilde's brilliant, unique tone and stature, his story of an abnormally well dressed man that does whatever it takes to achieve eternal youth, is a rather gore and controversial piece that played a key role in the history of literature.

Dorian's journey begins as he becomes the fascination of a talented painter. Encouraged to seek a life of self-fulfillment, Dorian wishes to never age, but instead have the picture take on the ailments of time for him. During his journey, he faces tough situations and obstacles from his decision, and learns the lessons of his actions.

Filled with tragedy, mystery and controversial principals, The Picture of Dorian Gray proposes a terrible moral that leaves one questioning their outlook and attitude towards life as a whole.

Wilde creates fascinating parallels to himself throughout the book, claiming that one character represents who he thinks he is, another is what the world thinks of him, and a third character is what he would like to be. His dazzling manor of writing illustrates a strange concept of three aspects of oneself interacting in a fictional world, unlike any world imaginable in his time. Proposing a unique look into an arguably corrupted mind and an overarching moral, The Picture of Dorian Gray is an absolute "must read" for any open minded and curious reader.

Upon its release in 1890, the novel was attacked and criticized for being a "corruptive influence". The story was first published in an issue of Lippincott's Monthly Magazine. However, in attempts to censor the works of Wilde, the editors had cut around 500 words without consulting the author before publication. Even with the censorship, the story had offended most readers for violating public morality, and some argued he should be prosecuted. Wilde actively defended his work, and released the previously excluded 500 words along with an extended version the following year. The book was later used against Wilde in his trials regarding homosexuality that eventually lead to two years in prison. The uncensored, raw and real words of Oscar Wilde are those of controversy that express his version of the truth. A true good read, The Picture of Dorian Gray encourages deep and twisted thoughts for change.

Oscar Wilde (Full name Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wide) was an Irish man, born in 1854. He studied at Trinity College and Oxford University, where he learned to speak fluent French and German, studied great literature and proved himself a great classicalist. Graduating in 1878, the young man moved to London, where he became well known for his quick wit, notable fashion and general truths. He soon became one of the greatest playwrights in the Victorian Era, but was imprisoned for homosexuality before he could enjoy his fame. Once freed from his two year sentence, the writer set sail for Dieppe, and was never seen again in Ireland or Britain. It is believed that he died in poverty, without acknowledging his great success as a playwright.

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