Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Robert Louis Stevenson originally wroteDr. Jekyll And Mr Hydeas 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 Hydeis a brilliantly original study of man's dual natureas well as an immortal tale of suspense and terror. Published in 1866,Jekyll And Hydewas 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 toMadame BovaryandDead Soulsas "a fable that lies nearer to poetry than to ordinary prose fiction."

Nicholas Rance is Senior Lecturer in English at Middlesex Polytechnic and author of The Historical Novel and Popular Politics in Nineteenth-Century England and Wilkie Collins and Other Sensation Novelists: Walking the Moral Hospital.<br><br><br><i>From the Hardcover edition.</i>