The Picture of Dorian Gray
Oscar Wilde
📚 Genre
Gothic Fiction, Philosophical Fiction
🏢 Publisher
Barnes & Noble (Collectible Editions)
📅 Publication Year
2012 (this aesthetic edition layout)
🔢 ISBN
9781435132214
About This Book
The story follows the handsome Dorian Gray, who sits for a portrait by artist Basil Hallward. While under the influence of the hedonistic Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian wishes that the portrait would age instead of him. His wish is granted: as Dorian lives a life of sin and cruelty, he remains youthful while the painting becomes a hideous record of his moral corruption. The cover features a deep burgundy/maroon leather cover with ornate silver and gold foil victorian flourish patterns.
Book Details
Language
English
Pages
256 pages
Edition
Barnes & Noble Leatherbound Classic / Bonded Leather Edition
Series
Part of the Barnes & Noble Leatherbound Classics Series
Target Audience
Adult / General Audience / Students of Literature
Collector Information
Condition
Like New. The foil stamping appears crisp and intact, the corners are sharp, and the spine shows no visible creasing or wear against the velvet backdrop.
Estimated Value
$20-$40
Rarity
Common. This is a modern mass-produced decorative edition available at major retailers and the used book market; while some specific colors in the B&N series go out of print, this title is frequently restocked due to popularity.
Historical Significance
Wilde's only novel; it was highly controversial upon its 1890 release due to its perceived immorality and homoerotic undertones, which were later used against Wilde in his trials for 'gross indecency'. It is now a pillar of the Aesthetic movement.
Collector Notes
Collectors should check for 'foil rubbing' (fading of the silver/gold) and ensuring the ribbon bookmark has not been frayed or removed. As these are bonded leather, they should be kept away from direct sunlight to prevent the adhesive from drying and the cover from peeling. This edition is sought after for its shelf aesthetic rather than investment value.
Similar Books
Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, Dracula by Bram Stoker, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Notable Features
Bonded leather cover, gilded leaf edges, decorative endpapers, and a built-in ribbon bookmark.