Synopses & Reviews
Mistaken identities, locked rooms, madness, and romanceand#151;these are a few of the ingredients the author (one of the most successful and popular Victorian writers) used to inspire "the 'creepy' effect, as of pounded ice dropped down the back," that, according to one of his friends, was Wilkie Collins's aim in writing
The Woman in White. Popularly regarded as one of the author's finest works, and widely copied by other writers, this thriller was the prototype for a whole new genre of fiction: the "sensation novel."
A scheming nobleman, a beautiful heiress, and, of course, the enigmatic woman in whiteand#151;a mysterious figure confined to an asylum for the insaneand#151;are the featured players in an intricate, compelling story that was acclaimed by Henry James and T. S. Eliot. An instant success when it first appeared in 1860, the riveting tale has continued to enthrall readers ever since.
Review
"Collins was a master craftsman, whom many modern mystery-mongers might imitate to their profit." Dorothy L. Sayers
Synopsis
Widely regarded as the first English mystery novel and also Wilkie Collins' finest work, this riveting tale has captivated readers for more than 140 years. Acclaimed by such literary luminaries as Henry James and T. S. Eliot, it features a marvelously suspenseful plot and several unforgettable characters: the scheming nobleman Count Fosco, the beautiful heiress Laura Fairlie and, of course, Anne Catherick, the mysterious woman in white, confined to a lunatic asylum.
Synopsis
A scheming nobleman, a beautiful heiress, and, of course, a mysterious woman in white confined to an asylum for the insane are just a few of the unforgettable characters in this marvelous tale of mistaken identities, locked rooms, and surprise revelations. Widely regarded as the finest work of Wilkie Collins.
Synopsis
This riveting tale of mistaken identities, surprise revelations, locked rooms, and an unorthodox villain has enthralled readers since first published more than 140 years ago.
About the Author
Wilkie Collins was born in 1824. A close friend and contemporary of Charles Dickens, Collins became one of the best known of Victorian fiction writers. He wrote 25 novels, 50 short stories, 15 plays, and over 100 non-fiction pieces. His work showed the beginnings of detective fiction and horror writing. He died on September 23, 1889.