A review by morebedsidebooks
The Picture of Dorian Gray: An Annotated, Uncensored Edition by Oscar Wilde, Nicholas Frankel

dark
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

The Picture of Dorian Gray an Annotated, Uncensored Edition edited by Nicholas Frankel is a beautiful and indispensable edition of the story’s emended typescript submitted to Lippincotts Monthly Magazine. Frankel, who has also authored books on Oscar Wilde, takes on the added task of offering context around a controversial 19th century novel and author. Extensive notes and pictures add much dimension. However, at the same time essays of over 60 pages particularly the preface and general introduction fall short in more than one respect as well as some annotations. Judging from other writing by Frankel he cannot be ignorant of details or distinctions. So, this obliqueness in Frankel’s approach leaves me cold in recommending his books on Wilde. Outside this version of Dorian Gray that is, which I happen to like best as one of my favourite novels. 

See my blog for an in-depth review of The Picture of Dorian Gray. 

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