One of the most unorthodox novels of modern times, "The Picture of Dorian Gray" tells the stunning story of hedonist Dorian, who, captivated by the exceptionally beautiful portrait painted by artist Basil Hallward, sells his soul in exchange for eternal youth and beauty. Under the influence of his friend, Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian indulges in a debauched lifestyle, which he keeps hidden from high society, where he remains a gentleman. The portrait, unlike his flawless appearance, bears the marks of decay. The insinuations about the unspeakable sins committed by the protagonist caused a scandal when the book was first published in 1891 - the book was used as evidence in Oscar Wilde's trial in 1895. Of course, the British critics of the time did not give a warm reception to this work, although the author's words, "Let my book, I beg you, be left to the immortality it deserves," proved to be rather prophetic. Today, although more than a hundred years have passed since its first publication, Oscar Wilde's Faustian tale of moral decline continues to captivate.