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  • The Picture of Dorian Gray

  • By: Oscar Wilde
  • Narrated by: Russell Tovey
  • Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (232 ratings)

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The Picture of Dorian Gray

By: Oscar Wilde
Narrated by: Russell Tovey
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Publisher's Summary

Exclusively from Audible

The Picture of Dorian Gray was first published in 1890 in the July edition of the Lippincott Magazine. Now, this special anniversary edition marks 50 years since the 1967 Sexual Offences Act was passed in England. 25p from every copy downloaded over the next 12 months will be donated to Stonewall, Britain’s leading LGBT charity, to help the organisation further its work in securing full equality for lesbian, gay, bi and trans people everywhere.

A damning portrayal of Victorian society, Wilde used his narrative to chastise his contemporaries for their superfluous and hypocritical values. Having also interspersed homoerotic scenes within the story, The Picture of Dorian Gray was unsurprisingly condemned for its 'indecency', forcing Wilde to publish a second, censored edition in 1891. Wilde defended his vision to the last, whilst simultaneously challenging assumptions about his private life and sexuality. He credited his inspiration for the text to the classic Faustian suggestion that given the chance, a man would undoubtedly sell his soul in exchange for eternal youth.

When the protagonist, Dorian Gray, meets with the audacious Lord Henry Wotton, he is encouraged to indulge in his most vain and hedonistic of ambitions, thereby testing the boundaries of the law and living a life of unpunished anarchy. As handsome as he is charming, Dorian beguiles those around him, in particular, the artist Basil Hallward. Hopelessly enamoured by the young socialite, Basil sets out to capture his likeness in a full-length portrait. It is the finished product which ultimately engenders Dorian the ultimate weapon; control over the passing of time.

Modern audiences now recognise The Picture of Dorian Gray as an enticing gothic masterpiece and highly astute cautionary tale. Experience the unique and fractured world created by Oscar Wilde in this new audiobook adaptation, made in collaboration with Stonewall and narrated by award-winning actor, Russell Tovey.

Narrator Biography

Russell Tovey is a TV, film and stage actor, known for The History Boys, Grabbers, Angels in America, The Night Manager, Pride, Quantico and The Pass. He has narrated many audiobooks throughout his career including, Nick Hornby's High Fidelity, Anna Sewell's Black Beauty and Mark Michalowski's Being Human.

In collaboration with Stonewall, who are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK, Tovey brings us this new adaption of Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray. Having starred in The Old Vic's production of Queers and The National Theatre's Angels in America, Russell is a keen advocate of LGBT rights and, bringing years of stage training experience, the perfect narrator for this epic tale of masculine beauty.

Public Domain (P)2017 Audible, Ltd
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: LGBTQ+

What listeners say about The Picture of Dorian Gray

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Delicious reading for a thirsty reader

Fantastic read/listen, rich with laughter, romance, friendship and very dark secrets. A timeless piece that will have you from the very first word. Poetic and clever, highly recommended.

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Stunning performance

The book is a classic of course but more to the point such throughly enjoyable narration/acting.

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A glimpse into the aristocratic attitudes of the era

I enjoyed the story, the obsession with remaining youthful. Dorian suffers no consequence of sinful indulgence, and yet it drives him insane. Well told.

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Outstanding

Timeless story performed superbly! Perfectly captured the essence of the hedonistic lord Henry and the equally careless, but gradually maddening conscience of Dorian Gray

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Perfect narration by Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey is the perfect choice to narrate this iconic novel. Tovey’s voicework effectively picks up the finer details of each of Wilde’s characters bringing greater life to an already excellent story. In particular, he captures Dorian’s most sympathetic qualities, making him more likeable than expected and amplifying the tragedy of the tale.

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Fantastic Story

Loved the book. This audio version brought it wonderfully to life. A job very well done by Russell Tovey.

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Intriguing masterpiece!!


One of the most thought-provoking books I have listened to in a while! No need to talk about Oscar Wilde, but I must mention that the performance by Russel T. took me by surprise...so much so that I have ordered the hard copy.
Sometimes the decadence of the RICH people made me uncomfortable, but this is a book to treasure and to read multiple times.

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Fascinating read

Thoroughly enjoyable. So many thought provoking comments that need some pondering over.
Narration excellent. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys the classics.

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A rattling tale!

A rattling tale of a crazy era . Narrators accents are a little annoying sometimes but overall I enjoyed it.

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Brilliant narration

Russell Tovey is the best narrator by far. Classic book spoken with class and style

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