The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Other Stories (Barnes & Noble Classics Series) (B&N Classics)

Great book, great everything. Only problem is that we were surprised to find out that the cover is different than the picture of this listing. Otherwise, great!

Smaller than expected but great book with several other stories included as well.

Hocked!

I very much enjoyed reading this book. It was not as I had previously perceived. If you have not already, I would advise you to add it to your collection.

Wouldn't have bought it, if it wasn't good!

Loved the little book. Fits in my purse and whenever there are a few extra moments I take it out and read. Great little book and story.

Good

The book was tiny much smaller than I expected it to be

This is a review of the hardback book ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Other Stories’ by Robert Louis Stevenson, from Macmillan’s Collector’s Library.This superb little hardcover book by Macmillan is one of their extensive Collector’s Library series. They are small, feather-light and easy to stow in a handbag on your travels, but they are also very pretty and well made, with duck-egg blue covers, gilded page edges and a satin ribbon marker. This makes them ideal for holidays, and then for keeping afterwards.Stevenson (b1850) is one of a number of brilliant, iconic Georgian and Victorian novelists born and/or educated in Edinburgh: Sir Walter Scott (1771), Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859), Kenneth Graham (1859), J.M. Barrie (1860). Justly famous for his ‘Boy’s Own’ adventures ‘Kidnapped’ and ‘Treasure Island’, Stevenson produced a large body of work from 1875 until his death. He suffered from a serious bronchial condition all his adult life, and died in Samoa, where he had gone for the warm climate, aged only 44. As a child, he grew up in a devout Presbyterian household. Although he himself grew away from his parents’ religion, notions of morality, sin and redemption seem to have coloured his writings profoundly.This book contains a selection of Stevenson’s most gruesome and troubling Gothic short stories, for which he also developed a reputation. There are 5 works: the titular work is his famous horror novella about Dr Jekyll and his evil alter ego (versions of which have been filmed at least 5 times); ‘The Body Snatchers’ based on the infamous ~ and true ~ Burke and Hare case in 18th Century Edinburgh; the bizarre ‘Markheim’ and bizarre but exotic ‘Olalla’; and three haunting stories under the heading ‘The Suicide Club’. For background, he drew on true stories and locations from his native city and its environs, a later knowledge of London, and also his travels in Europe for his health. One fascinating point ~ ’Jekyll and Hyde’ was apparently inspired in part by Stevenson’s personal friendship with a Frenchman living and teaching in Edinburgh in the 1870s, who poisoned his wife and may have murdered others. Eugene Chantrelle was hung for murder in 1878.The stories generally include all the ingredients necessary for a good Gothic chiller ~ fog (lots and lots of thick yellow fog); gas lights; hansom cabs; grave yards; suspicious characters; footsteps. They are supremely atmospheric, and in places, supremely grisly. The ‘odd one out’ is ‘Olalla’, also very atmospheric, brooding and creepy, but set in rural Spain. They are highly entertaining and enjoyable. Just one word of caution however: I was surprised at how late the stores are, as the writing, a little dense and convoluted, does appear earlier ~ hence 4 Stars.

Book is good quality and came quickly.