The Picture of Dorian Gray (Annotated): A Historical and Literary Edition

The Picture of Dorian Gray Annotated Edition

The Classic Novel of Beauty, Art, and Moral Corruption, Illuminated by Original Annotations

This The Picture of Dorian Gray annotated edition brings the history, art, philosophy, and literary world of Oscar Wilde’s Victorian masterpiece into sharper focus through more than 220 original annotations.

When the beautiful young Dorian Gray wishes that his portrait might grow old in his place, his desire is mysteriously granted. As Dorian pursues a life devoted to beauty, pleasure, and sensation, the portrait records the hidden consequences of his choices while his outward appearance remains untouched.

More than 220 original annotations by T. S. Causley illuminate late Victorian London, the Aesthetic and Decadent movements, art and collecting, and the cultural and philosophical ideas surrounding Wilde’s novel. Historical and literary commentary explains classical and biblical allusions, artistic references, and literary influences while exploring the novel’s enduring questions about beauty, identity, temptation, conscience, and moral responsibility.

Inside This Annotated Edition

• More than 220 original annotations by T. S. Causley
• Historical and cultural context for late Victorian London
• Context for Aestheticism, Decadence, art, collecting, and philosophy
• Explanations of classical and biblical allusions, artistic references, and literary influences
• Original editorial introduction
• Wilde’s complete 1891 text
• Curated further reading