The Picture of Dorian Gray (Collins Classics)

HarperCollins is proud to present its range of best-loved | essential classics.‘The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.’When Basil Hallward paints the portrait of young | handsome Dorian Gray | he falls prey to his dazzling beauty. Afraid that his youth and looks will waste away | Dorian expresses a wish that his portrait | and not he | will age and fade over time. His wish is granted | and over the ensuing years | Dorian indulges in every kind of vice and pleasure | never ageing nor disfiguring. Only his portrait | hidden to the world | bears the marks of his actions | and as his soul grows ever more wasted and corrupted | devastatingconsequences lie in wait.The Picture of Dorian Gray is an exploration of the purpose of art | the superficial nature of youth and beauty | and the conflict between morality and intemperance. First published in its complete | uncensored form in 1891 | it is Oscar Wilde’s only novel.