Everyone has a dark side. Dr Jekyll has discovered the ultimate drug. A chemical that can turn him into something else. Suddenly, he can unleash his deepest cruelties in the guise of the sinister Hyde. Transforming himself at will, he roams the streets of fog-bound London as his monstrous alter-ego. It seems he is master of his fate. It seems he is in complete control. But soon he will discover that his double life comes at a hideous price...
'Instantly the spirit of hell awoke in me and raged...I was suddenly struck through the heart by a cold thrill of terror.' Stevenson's short novel, published in 1886, became an instant classic. It was a Gothic horror that originated in a feverish nightmare, whose hallucinatory setting in the murky back streets of London gripped a nation mesmerized by crime and violence. The respectable doctor's mysterious relationship with his disreputable associate is finally revealed in one of the most original and thrilling endings in English literature. In addition to Jekyll and Hyde, this edition also includes a number of short stories and essays written by Stevenson in the 1880s, minor masterpieces of fiction and comment: 'The Body Snatcher', 'Markheim', and 'Olalla' feature grave-robbing, a sinister double, and degeneracy, while 'A Chapter on Dreams' and 'A Gossip on Romance' discuss artistic creation and the 'romance' form. Appendixes provide extracts from contemporary writings on personality disorder, which set Stevenson's tale in its full historical context. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
In Robert Louis Stevenson's influential novel of mad science and criminal inquiry, attorney Gabriel John Utterson comes to the aid of Dr. Henry Jekyll, an old friend, only to find himself dragged from a world of genial hospitality into London's foreboding night, which is shrouded in shadows and fog—and stalked by the deranged Edward Hyde. Utterson's quest for truth is not only a detective story laden with twists, but an intense meditation on man's inherently dualistic nature, written in a style that often combines disturbing violence with restrained language typical of the Victorian era.
This Top Five Classics edition of Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde includes: • More than 20 illustrations by Charles Raymond Macauley • Introduction • Author bio and bibliography Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, first published in 1886, has been and remains one of the most well-known works of popular fiction in the English language, having spawned hundreds of dramatic adaptations and inspired countless other works—beginning with the first stage production less than a year after the original book was published. It is also one of the most widely translated works in English literature. But if you’ve never read Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, you might be surprised at just how riveting the tale remains—as well as how different it is from what you’ve come to expect.
Bold visionary, Henry Jekyll, believes he can use his scientific knowledge to divide a person into two beings--one of pure good and one of pure evil. Working tirelessly in his secret laboratory, concocting a potion that would tear at the core of what makes a man human, he eventually succeeds--but only halfway. Instead of separating the good and evil halves, Jekyll isolates only the latter. What seems at first a relief to the doctor becomes a nightmare as he loses control of the transformation. His friends feel Jekyll will waste away and fear the worst. Can Jekyll undo what he has done? Or will it change things forever?
"The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a gripping and chilling tale of duality, morality, and the darker aspects of human nature. Set in Victorian London, the story follows the respected Dr. Henry Jekyll, a scientist who becomes obsessed with separating his good and evil impulses. As Jekyll's experiments progress, he unwittingly unleashes his malevolent alter ego, Mr. Hyde, a figure of pure evil. Stevenson's narrative explores the consequences of unchecked desires and the blurred boundaries between good and evil. The novella is a psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of human identity and the consequences of repressing one's inner demons. Through vivid prose and suspenseful storytelling, Stevenson keeps readers on the edge of their seats. "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its exploration of the duality of human nature. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of tampering with the human psyche and the eternal struggle between the forces of good and evil. Enter the shadowy streets of Victorian London and accompany Dr. Jekyll on his harrowing journey into the depths of his own psyche. Stevenson's masterful storytelling and exploration of the human soul make this novella an enduring and thought-provoking work of literature. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer, best known for his adventure and literary classics. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Stevenson's works have left an indelible mark on literature. Stevenson's most celebrated work is "Treasure Island," an adventure novel that introduced the character Long John Silver and set the standard for pirate tales. He also penned "Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," a groundbreaking exploration of the duality of human nature. A prolific writer, Stevenson's other notable works include "Kidnapped," "The Master of Ballantrae," and "A Child's Garden of Verses." His writing often explores themes of adventure, identity, and the human spirit. Stevenson's adventurous spirit extended beyond his writing. He traveled extensively, seeking inspiration for his works in the places he visited. His life was marked by a sense of wanderlust and a curiosity about the world. Stevenson's legacy endures through his timeless stories and his ability to transport readers to distant lands and realms of imagination. His works continue to captivate readers of all ages and are celebrated for their enduring appeal.
