Where to start withThe Picture of Dorian Gray
3 versions · originally a book, 1890
Themes: Mortality, Vanity, Corruption, Influence, The Double.
Start with The Picture of Dorian Gray (Oscar Wilde, 1908) — the book. The Picture of Dorian Gray exists in 3 versions across media, beginning as a book in 1890; each is ranked below by what it does best.
Oscar Wilde’s haunting exploration of vanity, moral decay, and the soul-corrupting cost of maintaining eternal, unblemished physical youth.
✦ Most fans start here
The Picture of Dorian Gray (1908)
The original novel
✦ Start hereThe Picture of Dorian Gray
Oscar Wilde · Book · 1908
The 1908 edition provides the definitive text for scholars and purists, offering a comprehensive look at Wilde’s evolution by presenting both the original Lippincott’s and the final 1891 book versions.
2009 film
Dorian Gray
Film · 2009
The 2009 film Dorian Gray visualizes the aristocrat's descent into decadence, making it a suitable choice for viewers who prefer a modern, cinematic interpretation of Wilde's famous cautionary tale.
2007 book
Dorian
Will Self · Book · 2007
Will Self’s 2007 book Dorian reimagines the classic narrative within the gritty, hedonistic landscape of 1980s London, perfect for readers interested in a bold, contemporary stylistic subversion of the original.
Common questions
What order should I read the different versions of The Picture of Dorian Gray?
You should start with the original 1890 edition of The Picture of Dorian Gray to experience the initial text. Following this, the 1908 version is available for those interested in the revised edition, which includes significant changes made by Oscar Wilde to the narrative structure and content.
Is the 2009 movie Dorian Gray a faithful adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray?
The 2009 film Dorian Gray is a cinematic adaptation inspired by The Picture of Dorian Gray. While it utilizes the core themes and characters from the source material, it incorporates modern stylistic choices and narrative adjustments that distinguish it from the original 1890 novel.
How does the book Dorian compare to The Picture of Dorian Gray?
The book Dorian, published in 2007, serves as a contemporary reimagining of the source material. It draws thematic inspiration from The Picture of Dorian Gray but presents a distinct narrative that exists independently from the original 1890 publication by Oscar Wilde.
Should I read the 1908 version of The Picture of Dorian Gray after the 1890 edition?
Yes, reading the 1908 version of The Picture of Dorian Gray after the 1890 edition allows you to identify the specific revisions made to the text. Comparing these two editions provides insight into the editorial changes that occurred between the initial release and the later version.