The Picture of Dorian Gray

5b Oscar Wilde. Intro by Osbert Burnett (also signed by him on the half-title). Illustrations by Henry Keen. London: John Lane the Bodley Head Limited, 1925.

Notes

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, first published in 1890 (and revised in 1891), is a philosophical and gothic novel that explores the relationship between beauty, morality, and corruption. The story follows Dorian Gray, a handsome young man whose portrait is painted by artist Basil Hallward. Influenced by the hedonistic worldview of Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian wishes that he could remain young forever while the portrait bears the marks of age and sin. His wish mysteriously comes true, and as Dorian descends into a life of vice and moral decay, the portrait grows increasingly grotesque—serving as a hidden reflection of his corrupted soul.

The novel was highly controversial upon its release due to its themes of sensuality, aestheticism, and moral ambiguity. Critics accused it of promoting immorality, prompting Wilde to defend his work and revise the text for the 1891 edition, adding a preface that famously declares, "There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book." Over time, The Picture of Dorian Gray has become a classic of English literature, admired for its wit, psychological insight, and exploration of the dangers of vanity and unchecked indulgence. It remains Wilde’s only novel and one of the most enduring works from the fin de siècle era.

Osbert Burdett, who signs the half-title page, was a British author and art critic, best known for his scholarly works on 19th-century art and literature.He is particularly noted for his 1925 book The Beardsley Period: An Essay in Perspective, which examines the life and influence of the artist Aubrey Beardsley. Burdett's expertise in the aesthetic and decadent movements of the late 19th century made him a fitting choice to write the introduction for this 1925 edition of Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray. His introduction provides valuable context and analysis, enriching the reader's understanding of Wilde's work within the framework of the aesthetic movement.

Description

Black cloth binding with butterfly and flower gilt illustration on the upper board. Sunflower and lettering also in gilt along the spine. Original mirror dust jacket with green illustrations and lettering on black paper. Lovely floral endpapers. Gilt top edge and deckled fore edge and bottom edge. Softening to the head and foot of the spine and some chipping to the dust jacket along the spine. Green ink inscription to the half title reading “M.W. You asked for this book… O.B.1934” likely being Osbert Burdett who wrote the introduction. Very find condition overall.