The Picture of Byron White

The Picture of Byron White is a Pahonnian novel written by William Row that stirred up a great of controversy for supposedly 'promoting immoral values.' While initially a serial story published in Cherbury Monthly Magazine, a novel version was published by the Magazine in 882.

Plot
Byron White is the subject of a full-length portrait by Berry Howard, an artist impressed and infatuated by Byron's beauty; he believes that Byron's beauty is responsible for the new mood in his art as a painter. Through Berry, Byron meets Lord Albert Chesterson, and he soon is enthralled by the aristocrat's hedonistic world view: that beauty and sensual fulfilment are the only things worth pursuing in life.

Newly understanding that his beauty will fade, Byron expresses the desire to sell his soul, to ensure that the picture, rather than he, will age and fade. The wish is granted, and Byron pursues a libertine life of varied amoral experiences while staying young and beautiful; all the while, his portrait ages and records every sin.

Reception
Critical reception of the novel was poor, with many decrying it as 'low-brow trash' and 'entirely immoral.' It has especially been criticized for its supposed promotion of homosexuality.

Popular reception of the novel was mixed. While many were turned off by its taboo nature, many enjoyed the story as a philosophical piece.