Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde and other stories - Softcover

Calder, Jenni; Stevenson, Robert Louis

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140431179 ISBN 13: 9780140431179

Publisher: Penguin Classics, 1979

Synopsis

Robert Louis Stevenson originally wrote "Dr. Jekyll And Mr Hyde" as a "chilling shocker." He then burned the draft and, upon his wife's advice, rewrote it as the darkly complex tale it is today. Stark, skillfully woven, this fascinating novel explores the curious turnings of human character through the strange case of Dr. Jekyll, a kindly scientist who by night takes on his stunted evil self, Mr. Hyde. Anticipating modern psychology, "Jekyll And Hyde" is a brilliantly original study of man's dual nature -- as well as an immortal tale of suspense and terror. Published in 1866, "Jekyll And Hyde" was an instant success and brought Stevenson his first taste of fame. Though sometimes dismissed as a mere mystery story, the book has evoked much literary admirations. Vladimir Nabokov likened it to "Madame Bovary" and "Dead Souls" as "a fable that lies nearer to poetry than to ordinary prose fiction."

About this title

Review:

"Stevenson's short stories are certain to retain their position in English literature. His serious rivals are few indeed" (Arthur Conan Doyle)

"Mr Hyde's sordid and perhaps deviant excesses are rendered more suggestive through being left undescribed" (Sarah Waters)

"A fable that lies nearer to poetry than to ordinary prose fiction" (Vladimir Nabokov)

"Robert Louis Stevenson...was a storyteller, that's what I'd like to be, that's what I'm trying to be" (Quintin Jardine)

"Jekyll and Hyde, in particular, is such an important novel in terms of suspense and setting a perfect scene for crime" (Alanna Knight)

Book Description:

Robert Louis Stevenson's classic gothic tale of split personalities and the evil that lurks within

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• Publication date: 1979
• ISBN 10: 0140431179
• ISBN 13: 9780140431179
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304