“There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.”

Published in 1891, The Picture of Dorian Grey caused immediate controversy and great notoriety for its writer because of its perceived immorality.

In late 19th-century London, this celebrated fable of innocence and corruption tells the story of a beautiful, hedonistic young man who wishes for his portrait to age instead of him. His appearance does not change as he is drawn into a corrupt double life full of sensation and pleasure-seeking, while the portrait, secretly hidden in the attic of his home and with which he has grown increasingly obsessed, bears signs of age and decline. More and more, as Dorian Grey struggles to hide his true identity, the portrait reveals the moral decay resulting from his indulgent lifestyle.

Despite the controversy it attracted on publication, The Picture of Dorian Grey has become renowned for its wit, its social commentary, and its enduring ability to provoke thought about the way societal values, individual relationships and personal choices intersect to shape a person’s moral compass. Modern audiences now recognise The Picture of Dorian Grey as an enticing gothic masterpiece and an astute cautionary tale.

Born in Dublin and educated at Trinity College and Oxford, Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was an influential poet, playwright, and novelist renowned for his sharp wit, flamboyant style and advocacy of the aesthetic movement, which promoted "art for arts sake." His most famous works include The Importance of Being Earnest and The Picture of Dorian Grey, which showcase his talent for humour and social commentary. Wilde’s personal life was marred by scandal due to his homosexuality, leading to a conviction of gross indecency that resulted in two years of imprisonment. He died in Paris shortly after his release, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the greatest literary figures of his time.