The Picture of Dorian Gray

Penguin Classics

By: Oscar Wilde

Narrated by: Ben Barnes

Brought to you by Penguin.

This Penguin Classic is performed by Ben Barnes, star of the film adaptation of Dorian Gray, also known for his roles in Westworld and The Chronicles of Narnia. This definitive recording includes an Introduction by Robert Mighall.

Enthralled by his own exquisite portrait, Dorian Gray exchanges his soul for eternal youth and beauty. Influenced by his friend Lord Henry Wotton, he is drawn into a corrupt double life; indulging his desires in secret while remaining a gentleman in the eyes of polite society. Only his portrait bears the traces of his decadence. The novel was a succès de scandale and the book was later used as evidence against Wilde at the Old Bailey in 1895. It has lost none of its power to fascinate and disturb.

Public Domain (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Ben Barnes is BRILLIANT

Fantastic storytelling abilities, a beautiful, captivating voice, and wonderful acting with all the perfect, different accents, Ben Barnes can do no wrong. He understands how literature is meant to be written, and his world class acting and degree in literature really comes through. I want him to do so many more books!! This was perfect perfect perfect I loved every moment!

Great book

It’s sad that Victorians were so caught up about “sins” that most people today would have far more compassion about. Dorian Gray is actually a pretty good guy. His worst crime... well, I won’t give that away. It’s a good book. I enjoyed it. Even though I liked the immoral characters the best.

NOTE TO AUDIBLE: ADVERTISEMENTS AT THE END OF BOOKS RUINS THE EFFECT OF THE ENDING. PLEASE STOP IT.

Must listen!

Fantastically performed classic for the ages. Such timeless themes written throughout the book. So good

Wow what a great story.

One of the better books I’ve listened to. Great story with good narration. Was recommended this one by a high schooler, I told her I’d give it a listen. Saw her next day and thanked her for leading me to such a great book.

Perfect Narrator!

Some might say I am extremely biased, given my adoration for Ben Barnes, but I promise you, I've judged this fairly. Mr. Barnes is a perfect narrator for this, his voice is complimentary to Wilde's story. He brings us back to Dorian Gray's life and times, the highs and lows, the horror. It's a rich story and he reads it perfectly. I was intrigued from the very beginning to the very end. I'm not a big audiobook person, but I love this. Bravo, Ben!