Considered one of Oscar Wilde’s greatest literary masterpieces, the original “The Portrait of Dorian Gray” was published in 1821. Now, however, it’s making a comeback in its original, uncensored edition, with authentic annotations by the author. A little jewel of literature for connoisseurs!
This is the first time the original manuscript has been published. Astonishingly, it shows the extent to which the author thus self-censored in his final book of 1821, deleting these most shocking writings, and limiting as far as possible the erotico-homosexual passages between the characters of Dorian Gray and Basil.
As a reminder, the work recounts the life of Dorian Gray, a young dandy of the Victorian era, adept at the pleasures of life and youthism. One day, his portrait is painted, and the hero wishes never to grow old again, preferring his portrait to grow old in his place. His wish is granted: the young Dorian Gray remains the handsome young man he was, while the portrait grows older and older, revealing the darkness of Gray’s soul.
In his quest for pleasure, Dorian Gray meets a number of people, including Basil, a young man with whom he feels hopelessly in love. However, the passages in the 1821 work dealing with this feeling of love pale in comparison with the original edition. Oscar Wilde undoubtedly wished to curb his creativity, for fear of shocking and once again being out of step with the Victorian mentality of the time. (As a reminder, Wilde served more than 2 years in prison for homosexuality).
This new edition reveals a more adventurous Oscar Wilde, dealing openly with amorous desire and homosexual feeling, without self-censorship or fear of being judged… An edition that will refine the true portrait of Oscar Wilde in our minds…
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