Publisher Description
This powerful new recording of Wilde’s famous novel tells the unforgettable story of a hedonistic young man who makes a sinister deal to preserve his youth. When his wish is granted, Dorian Gray slips into a life of sensuality, debauchery, and murder.
In this uncensored version, TV star James Warwick’s inspired, nuanced narration is followed by a fascinating conversation. The actor talks candidly with Alison Larkin about Oscar Wilde and Warwick's own challenges as a gay actor living in London at a time when homosexuality was illegal.
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish poet and playwright who is celebrated still for his sharp wit, flamboyant style, and sparkling conversation.
"Listeners will be enchanted by James Warwick's narration of Oscar Wilde's famous and controversial novel.
The story involves a man named Dorian Gray who has been corrupted by his youth and physical beauty.
Several productions of this classic have already been produced, but Warwick's performance is simply arresting.
He narrates in a strong voice with an elegant cadence and vocal color that befits each character and the overall tone of the work.
Any hint of monotony in the middle can be attributed to slow moments in Wilde's writing. Overall, Warwick's performance is smooth and melodic.
The audiobook also comes with an interview with Warwick in which he recounts his own life as a gay man in 1960s London.
A.C. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2019] Best, Dan "
Download and start listening now!
“Listeners will be enchanted by James Warwick’s narration of Oscar Wilde’s famous and controversial novel…Several productions of this classic have already been produced, but Warwick’s performance is simply arresting. He narrates in a strong voice with an elegant cadence and vocal color that befits each character and the overall tone of the work…Warwick’s performance is smooth and melodic. The audiobook also comes with an interview with Warwick in which he recounts his own life as a gay man in 1960s London. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”
—
AudioFile
About Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was born in Dublin. He won scholarships to both Trinity College, Dublin, and Magdalen College, Oxford. In 1875, he began publishing poetry in literary magazines, and in 1878, he won the coveted Newdigate Prize for English poetry. He had a reputation as a flamboyant wit and man-about-town. After his marriage to Constance Lloyd in 1884, he tried to establish himself as a writer, but with little initial success. However, his three volumes of short fiction, The Happy Prince, Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime, and A House of Pomegranates, together with his only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, gradually won him a reputation as a modern writer with an original talent. That reputation was confirmed and enhanced by the phenomenal success of his society comedies: Lady Windermere’s Fan, A Woman of No Importance, An Ideal Husband, and The Importance of Being Earnest, all performed on London’s West End stage between 1892 and 1895. In 1895, he was convicted of engaging in homosexual acts, which were then illegal, and sentenced to two years imprisonment with hard labor. He soon declared bankruptcy, and his property was auctioned off. In 1896, he lost legal custody of his children. When his mother died that same year, his wife Constance visited him at the jail to bring him the news. It was the last time they saw each other. In the years after his release, his health deteriorated. In November 1900, he died in Paris at the age of forty-six.
About James Warwick
James Warwick is a narrator and actor whose acclaimed acting career has spanned the stage, television, and movies. He is best known for playing the role of Tommy Beresford in the 1980s British television series Partners in Crime and in three television films based on Agatha Christie novels.