The Picture Of Dorian Gray (1891 Version)


Read by Bob Neufeld

(4.7 stars; 604 reviews)

The Picture of Dorian Gray is the only published novel by Oscar Wilde, appearing as the lead story in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine on 20 June 1890, printed as the July 1890 issue of this magazine. Wilde later revised this edition, making several alterations, and adding new chapters; the amended version was published by Ward, Lock, and Company in April 1891. The novel tells of a young man named Dorian Gray, the subject of a painting by artist Basil Hallward. Basil is impressed by Dorian's beauty and becomes infatuated with him, believing his beauty is responsible for a new mode in his art. Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton, a friend of Basil's, and becomes enthralled by Lord Henry's world view. Espousing a new hedonism, Lord Henry suggests the only things worth pursuing in life are beauty and fulfillment of the senses. Realizing that one day his beauty will fade, Dorian (whimsically) expresses a desire to sell his soul to ensure the portrait Basil has painted would age rather than himself. Dorian's wish is fulfilled, plunging him into debauched acts. The portrait serves as a reminder of the effect each act has upon his soul, with each sin displayed as a disfigurement of his form, or through a sign of aging. The Picture of Dorian Gray is considered a work of classic gothic fiction with a strong Faustian theme. (Summary by Wikipedia) (9 hr 30 min)

Chapters

The Preface 3:16 Read by Bob Neufeld
Chapter 1 35:36 Read by Bob Neufeld
Chapter 2 40:43 Read by Bob Neufeld
Chapter 3 32:32 Read by Bob Neufeld
Chapter 4 39:44 Read by Bob Neufeld
Chapter 5 31:49 Read by Bob Neufeld
Chapter 6 20:52 Read by Bob Neufeld
Chapter 7 32:02 Read by Bob Neufeld
Chapter 8 38:21 Read by Bob Neufeld
Chapter 9 27:50 Read by Bob Neufeld
Chapter 10 21:37 Read by Bob Neufeld
Chapter 11 50:28 Read by Bob Neufeld
Chapter 12 18:53 Read by Bob Neufeld
Chapter 13 18:24 Read by Bob Neufeld
Chapter 14 34:28 Read by Bob Neufeld
Chapter 15 22:30 Read by Bob Neufeld
Chapter 16 22:41 Read by Bob Neufeld
Chapter 17 14:07 Read by Bob Neufeld
Chapter 18 23:48 Read by Bob Neufeld
Chapter 19 26:24 Read by Bob Neufeld
Chapter 20 14:09 Read by Bob Neufeld

Reviews

Dorian + Bob=Perfection


(5 stars)

honestly one of my fave books. I heard the version with librivox volunteers, it is spectacular. but now I find this version. .. mr. Neufeld is the best reader ever. his voice is so relaxing, interesting and perfect for story telling. I listen to him equally to be entertained and to drift off too. That's saying a lot considering I'm an insomniac. Thank you for this lovely recording. and the book is a classic that's easy to follow and funny too.

great book, great narrator


(5 stars)

one of the wittiest and most cynical books there is. Bob has a voice like butter

Great book, awfully well-read by this fellow


(5 stars)

I pretty much said it above. This book is rightfully a classic, and the narrator does quite a fine job with it. (He's British -- or plays it very well -- as the narrator for this should be.)

Great Voice and Narration


(5 stars)

Bob's voice matches the text well and his impersonation of the characters is spot on. He delivers each line of dialogue and text with enough character without over dramatizing. On top of which, the recording in general is one of quality. No constant noise in the background. The only noise that is heard is that of the speaker.

Thank you!


(5 stars)

This was my first listen here and couldn't have asked for a better reader!

Don't usually review


(5 stars)

Bob N did a masterful job reading this. He isn't the perfect voice but he never missteps or has the wrong tone for a scene. It was like a flowing river for lack of a better metaphor. As for the book. I feel people misrepresent the book; to me OW is really just saying all the things he wants about higher society and using one of the best vehicles to do it. Dorian is not corrupt at the beginning, he becomes corrupted by friends, society, pleasure. The ending was obvious, but overall I absolutely loved the story.

Simply Breathtaking!


(5 stars)

This book is a longtime favorite and I’ve read it more than once and have watched several movies that have come out of Hollywood over the years. Listening to it for the first time has been a great joy. John Gonzalez brings it to life better than any other medium. His rendition is perfect in delivery and I nearly wept during the last chapter. John's inflection is simply breathtaking! Loved every minute listening to Mr. Gonzalez. Thank you LibriVox and thank you so very much John.

A voice like honey


(5 stars)

As a bibliophile I have read many classics, but Bob brings new life to books such as these. I have always found it hard to listen to books and now I find myself listening and reading along simply to hear his lovely narration. Even my 3 year old begs to listen to "Uncle Bob" as he calls him. Thank you for adding to my already passionate love of literature as well as helping me pass it on to the next generation!