Norton Critical Edition, 2007
Price: $12.50History: New York, Christmas 2007, although it's been on loan to a friend for a long time, so still has the novelty value of a new copy.
Look: it's thick and heavy (see below...), but is nice to hold and read. You can't go far wrong with a picture of the author.
Introduction/appendices: This is the grandmother of all Dorian Grays - if you want a copy to study, or get into the background, this is the one to buy. BOTH the 1891 and 1890 versions in one book, with copious notes describing the editing process. Even more notes explaining references and ideas. 7 critical essays, from "Irishness" in the novel to sexual politics and character design. Lots of contemporary reviews, and as many open letters from the author defending his book to the newspapers. Extracts from other Wilde work, A Rebours and Walter Pater, on topics which reflect the novel's themes. And a chronology.
Accordingly, this is also my "desert island" copy, provided I had pen and paper to note down my thoughts, because it's going to keep me going for ages.
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