Wilkie Collins

Man and Wife (1870) is a novel by Wilkie Collins. Written at the height of Collins’ career, Man and Wife displays the author’s the trademark sense of mystery and psychological unease that made him a household name around the world. Recognized as an important Victorian novelist and pioneer of detective fiction, Wilkie Collins was a writer with a gift for thoughtful entertainment, stories written for a popular audience that continue to resonate with scholars and readers today. At the estate of Lady Lundie in the lush Scottish countryside, a complicated situation is beginning to unfold. Geoffrey Delamyn, a young heir, has secretly promised to marry Anne Silvester, the governess of Lady Lundie’s stepdaughter Blanche. When Geoffrey learns of his impending disinheritance, he realizes that in order to live a life of luxury he must find himself a wealthy widow to marry, thereby breaking his promise to Anne. Because of an antiquated Scots marriage law, his verbal commitment is legally binding, forcing Geoffrey to come up with a questionable plan to extricate himself from his contract. He employs the assistance of his friend Arnold, who disguises himself as Geoffrey and meets Anne at a local inn, where he refers to her as his wife in front of several witnesses. As the story unfolds, Arnold falls in love with Blanche, Anne seeks legal counsel, and Geoffrey does whatever he can to further his own interests at the expense of others. Beyond its sensational plot, Man and Wife is a masterpiece of comedy and social critique for seasoned readers of Victorian fiction and newcomers alike. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Wilkie Collins’ Man and Wife is a classic work of English literature reimagined for modern readers.

The Black Robe (1881) is a novel by Wilkie Collins. Written toward the end of Collins’ career, The Black Robe shows brilliant flashes of the author’s trademark sense of mystery and psychological unease, which made him a household name around the world. Recognized as an important Victorian novelist and pioneer of detective fiction, Wilkie Collins was a writer with a gift for thoughtful entertainment, stories written for a popular audience that continue to resonate with scholars and readers today. While visiting northern France to attend the funeral of his aunt, Lewis Romayne, while playing cards, accuses a local gambler of cheating. Offended by the young Englishman, the man challenges Romayne to a duel, but sends his son in his place. Against the odds, Romayne—unaccustomed to fighting—manages to kill the boy, saving his own life. The screams of his younger brother, however, never leave Romayne, not as he returns to Yorkshire a changed man, not for the rest of his life. Back home, he attempts to regain a sense of normalcy, caring for Vange Abbey, the family estate, and making social trips to London. In the city, he meets and falls in love with the beautiful Stella Eyrecourt, whom he marries. Meanwhile, a vindictive priest looking to gain control of the Abbey hatches a plan to convert Romayne to Catholicism and trick him into signing the property over in his will. Wracked with guilt and trusting to a fault, Romayne walks right into his trap. Beyond its sensational plot, The Black Robe is a masterpiece of mystery and social critique for seasoned readers of Victorian fiction and newcomers alike. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Wilkie Collins’ The Black Robe is a classic work of English literature reimagined for modern readers.

The Dead Secret (1856) is a novel by Wilkie Collins. Written in the aftermath of Antonina (1850), his successful debut, The Dead Secret finds the author honing the trademark sense of mystery and psychological unease that would make him a household name around the world. Recognized as an important Victorian novelist and pioneer of detective fiction, Wilkie Collins was a writer with a gift for thoughtful entertainment, stories written for a popular audience that continue to resonate with scholars and readers today. Born in Porthgenna Tower, Rosamond Treverton is a child of secrecy. Her birthmother, Sarah Leeson, became pregnant after an affair with a local miner. Unable to raise her daughter, she allowed her to be adopted by Mrs. Treverton, the lady of the Tower, herself unable to bear children. Sworn to silence, Sarah leaves a hidden note in a room at Porthgenna before disappearing into the night. Years later, the Tower has been inherited by Rosamond, who continues to live there with her husband Leonard Frankland. When she becomes pregnant, a strange nurse arrives to take care of her and soon reveals the secret of her birth, threatening Rosamond’s control of Porthgenna Tower and the Treverton family fortune. Beyond its sensational plot, The Dead Secret is a masterpiece of Gothic suspense and mystery for seasoned readers of Victorian fiction and newcomers alike. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Wilkie Collins’ The Dead Secret is a classic work of English literature reimagined for modern readers.

Nine O’ Clock (1852) is a novel by Wilkie Collins. Written in the aftermath of Antonina (1850), his successful debut, Nine O’ Clock finds the author honing the trademark sense of mystery and psychological unease that would make him a household name around the world. Recognized as an important Victorian novelist and pioneer of detective fiction, Wilkie Collins was a writer with a gift for thoughtful entertainment, stories written for a popular audience that continue to resonate with scholars and readers today. At the height of the French Revolution, a group of prisoners awaiting execution is given the chance at one last night with friends and family. Elated, they feast and drink with their loved ones, exchanging stories of the past and even cracking jokes on the infamous guillotine, the very instrument of death they will face in the morning. Despite this general sense of hopeless joy, one man, Duprat, avoids the trend toward gallows humor, refusing to speak on the subject. Pressed by his friend Marginy, however, a change comes over Duprat, who begins to reveal a strange foresight of his own impending doom. Beyond its sensational plot, Nine O’ Clock is a masterpiece of Gothic horror and mystery for seasoned readers of Victorian fiction and newcomers alike. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Wilkie Collins’ Nine O’ Clock is a classic work of English literature reimagined for modern readers.

The Yellow Mask (1887) is a novel by Wilkie Collins. Written toward the end of his life, The Yellow Mask recaptures some of the author’s trademark sense of mystery and psychological unease that made him a household name around the world. Recognized as an important Victorian novelist and pioneer of detective fiction, Wilkie Collins was a writer with a gift for thoughtful entertainment, stories written for a popular audience that continue to resonate with scholars and readers today. Father Rocco is a Catholic priest in the Italian city of Pisa. Through his brother, a sculptor and teacher, he becomes aware of Count Fabio D’Ascoli, a wealthy heir and an eager student of art. Vindictive and ruled by jealousy, Rocco fabricates a story accusing D’Ascoli’s family of stealing from the Church centuries before. Determined to obtain the D’Ascoli fortune, Father Rocco creates a rift between the Count and his young lover Nanina, then places his innocent niece Maddalena in a position to marry D’Ascoli. When Maddalena dies in childbirth, however, a strange figure in a yellow mask begins haunting her distraught widower, driving him to the brink of insanity. Beyond its sensational plot, The Yellow Mask is a novel that effectively critiques the institution of marriage and the morality of leaders in the Roman Catholic Church. Collins’ novel is a masterpiece of Gothic horror and mystery for seasoned readers of Victorian fiction and newcomers alike. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Wilkie Collins’ The Yellow Mask is a classic work of English literature reimagined for modern readers.

Basil (1852) is a novel by Wilkie Collins. Written in the aftermath of Antonina (1850), his successful debut, Basil finds the author honing the trademark sense of mystery and psychological unease that would make him a household name around the world. Recognized as an important Victorian novelist and pioneer of detective fiction, Wilkie Collins was a writer with a gift for thoughtful entertainment, stories written for a popular audience that continue to resonate with scholars and readers today. Basil, a young heir, is born with the future in his hands. As he reaches adulthood, he begins to question the expectations associated with wealth and social standing. Under enormous pressure from his father to marry a respectable woman, he finds himself drawn to a mysterious beauty, a draper’s daughter named Margaret Sherwin. In secret, he arranges a plan with her father to marry Margaret on one condition: they must live separately until she reaches the age of eighteen. As he eagerly awaits the day, Basil reconnects with Mannion, an acquaintance who has just recently returned from abroad. As the story unfolds, Basil’s fortunate destiny gives way to jealousy, violence, and a series of shocking revelations. Beyond its sensational plot, Basil is a novel that effectively critiques the institution of marriage and the false morality of the British aristocracy. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Wilkie Collins’ Basil is a classic work of English literature reimagined for modern readers.

Iris Henley is a bright young woman that falls in love with an unstable man whose criminal history begins to catch up with them. Despite their obstacles, Iris chooses to stand by and defend her husband. Iris Henley goes against her father’s wishes and marries Lord Harry Norland, a member of an Irish secret society. The unlikely pair experience several hardships including a sudden loss of income. As a last resort, Harry engages in insurance fraud hoping to use the funds to support their lifestyle. This leads to a fraud case and eventually a murder investigation. When Iris discovers a conspiracy plot she is forced to reevaluate her marriage. Blind Love is the final work from author Wilkie Collins. Initially left unfinished, it was released a year after his death in 1890. The novel’s last act was successfully completed by his colleague Walter Besant who delivers a mesmerizing story of love and desperation. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Blind Love is both modern and readable.

The Dead Alive, has been considered important throughout the human history, and so that this work is never forgotten we have made efforts in its preservation by republishing this book in a modern format for present and future generations. This whole book has been reformatted, retyped and designed. These books are not made of scanned copies of their original work and hence the text is clear and readable.

The Dead Secret A Novel, has been considered important throughout the human history, and so that this work is never forgotten we have made efforts in its preservation by republishing this book in a modern format for present and future generations. This whole book has been reformatted, retyped and designed. These books are not made of scanned copies of their original work and hence the text is clear and readable.

The recently married Valeria Brinton uncovers an unsettling truth about her new husband, including a false identity and the potential murder of his first wife. Valeria is determined to solve the mystery of her husband’s previous marriage and presumed guilt. Shortly after her wedding, Valeria Brinton learns her husband, Eustace Woodville, has been living a lie. His real name is Eustace Macallan and he was previously accused of murdering his first wife. Although he wasn’t convicted, the Scottish verdict “not proven” left plenty of room for speculation. Yet, Valeria is committed to her husband and believes he’s innocent. Despite the naysayers, she embarks on a journey to find the truth, clearing Eustace’s name once and for all. The Law and the Lady is one of Wilkie Collins classic detective novels. It’s a timeless tale of perseverance despite the looming judgement of nineteenth century society. The protagonist’s unwavering faith and inquisitive nature makes for a compelling read that captivates one’s spirit and imagination. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Law and the Lady is both modern and readable.

The recently married Valeria Brinton uncovers an unsettling truth about her new husband, including a false identity and the potential murder of his first wife. Valeria is determined to solve the mystery of her husband’s previous marriage and presumed guilt. Shortly after her wedding, Valeria Brinton learns her husband, Eustace Woodville, has been living a lie. His real name is Eustace Macallan and he was previously accused of murdering his first wife. Although he wasn’t convicted, the Scottish verdict “not proven” left plenty of room for speculation. Yet, Valeria is committed to her husband and believes he’s innocent. Despite the naysayers, she embarks on a journey to find the truth, clearing Eustace’s name once and for all. The Law and the Lady is one of Wilkie Collins classic detective novels. It’s a timeless tale of perseverance despite the looming judgement of nineteenth century society. The protagonist’s unwavering faith and inquisitive nature makes for a compelling read that captivates one’s spirit and imagination. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Law and the Lady is both modern and readable.

Allan Armadale makes a startling deathbed confession to be shared with his young son once he reaches adulthood—he murdered another man named Allan Armadale. It’s a dark secret that inevitably looms over the child of the perpetrator and his victim. Before dying, Allan Armadale reveals that he previously killed a man also named Allan Armadale. It’s a revelation meant for his young son who discovers the information as an adult. At this point, he’s run away from his mother’s home and is living under the assumed name--Ozias Midwinter. While traveling, Midwinter encounters another Allan Armadale, who is the son of the man his father killed. The two become close friends and eventually meet one woman who will bring their checkered pasts two ahead. Wilkie presents a compelling portrait of Victorian society that’s riddled by greed and narcissism. Armadale is a multilayered story of resilience in the face of generational trauma. The story follows two men navigating the sins of their fathers to find true love and friendship. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Armadale is both modern and readable.

A sharp-witted detective investigates the mystery of a gem, plundered from India and now vanished in England, and discovers shifting motives, unreliable testimony and growing danger in this foundational classic of mystery fiction. The Moonstone justly occupies an exalted position as a groundbreaking novel that opened the way for a great deal of genre fiction, mysteries and thrillers, but it is far more than simply an influence upon later works. This is an epistolary novel with a number of diverse and clearly incised viewpoints, displaying the author’s skill with both character and the unveiling of the elements of a mystery plot. One of the characters is the detective charged with finding the thief who stole the Moonstone, a huge diamond with a bloody history, and he is a clear precursor to A. C. Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. Another character, much remarked upon at the novel’s original release, suffers from opium addiction, depicted with frightening clarity by Collins, who dealt with that issue firsthand. The plot is sensational but relayed realistically and builds to one of the most unusual plot twists in mystery literature, made all the more remarkable by virtue of appearing in the genre’s earliest days. Initially serialized in Charles Dickens magazine All The Year Round, The Moonstone was published in 1868 and has never been out of print since. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Moonstone is both modern and readable.

A sharp-witted detective investigates the mystery of a gem, plundered from India and now vanished in England, and discovers shifting motives, unreliable testimony and growing danger in this foundational classic of mystery fiction. The Moonstone justly occupies an exalted position as a groundbreaking novel that opened the way for a great deal of genre fiction, mysteries and thrillers, but it is far more than simply an influence upon later works. This is an epistolary novel with a number of diverse and clearly incised viewpoints, displaying the author’s skill with both character and the unveiling of the elements of a mystery plot. One of the characters is the detective charged with finding the thief who stole the Moonstone, a huge diamond with a bloody history, and he is a clear precursor to A. C. Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. Another character, much remarked upon at the novel’s original release, suffers from opium addiction, depicted with frightening clarity by Collins, who dealt with that issue firsthand. The plot is sensational but relayed realistically and builds to one of the most unusual plot twists in mystery literature, made all the more remarkable by virtue of appearing in the genre’s earliest days. Initially serialized in Charles Dickens magazine All The Year Round, The Moonstone was published in 1868 and has never been out of print since. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Moonstone is both modern and readable.

V odnom tome publikujutsja samye izvestnye proizvedenija znamenitogo anglijskogo pisatelja, odnogo iz osnovopolozhnikov detektivnogo zhanra - Uiljama Uilki Kollinza (1824-1889), neprevzojdennogo mastera intrigi i uvlekatelnogo sjuzheta - "Lunnyj kamen", "Zhenschina v belom", "Zheltaja maska". Perevodchik: Ternov D., Leschenko-Sukhomlina T., Gorfinkel D. M. Redaktor: Basova E. G.

The Moonstone (1868) by Wilkie Collins is a 19th-century British epistolary novel. It is generally considered to be the first detective novel, and it established many of the ground rules of the modern detective novel. The story was originally serialised in Charles Dickens' magazine All the Year Round. The Moonstone and The Woman in White are widely considered to be Collins' best novels, and Collins adapted The Moonstone for the stage in 1877, although the production was performed for only two months. Rachel Verinder, a young English woman, inherits a large Indian diamond on her eighteenth birthday. It is a legacy from her uncle, a corrupt British army officer who served in India. The diamond is of great religious significance as well as being extremely valuable, and three Hindu priests have dedicated their lives to recovering it. The story incorporates elements of the legendary origins of the Hope Diamond (or perhaps the Orloff Diamond or the Koh-i-Noor diamond). Rachel's eighteenth birthday is celebrated with a large party, at which the guests include her cousin Franklin Blake. She wears the Moonstone on her dress that evening for all to see, including some Indian jugglers who have called at the house. Later that night, the diamond is stolen from Rachel's bedroom, and a period of turmoil, unhappiness, misunderstandings and ill-luck ensues. Told by a series of narratives from some of the main characters, the complex plot traces the subsequent efforts to explain the theft, identify the thief, trace the stone and recover it. About the AuthorWilkie (William) Collins (1824-89) was a hugely successful and popular crime, mystery and suspense writer. He wrote the first full-length detective novels in English and set a mould for the genre as shown in The Moonstone and "The Woman in White."

An embattled inheritance, accusations of madness, scheming villainy and much more tie into the labyrinthine plot of one of the most celebrated and sensational novels of the Victorian era.” A young man just beginning a new job in London meets with a strange woman on a moonlit road, offers her assistance getting into the city and then finds she may have just escaped an asylum. Hidden connections are unveiled between the family that employs the young man and the mysterious woman, pulling the reader into a suspenseful web of plots within plots, theft, betrayal, mistaken identities and attempted murder. Punctuating his dramatic narrative with sharp suspense and sudden moments of revelation that provide shock and understanding in equal measure, Wilkie Collins was pioneer of the literary thriller. In 1859, when serialized in Charles Dickens magazine, All the Year Round, crowds lined up to buy each installment of The Woman in White. Modern readers will be grateful to have the entire text at hand as the author’s remarkable storytelling skills retain their power to ensnare, enchant and keep the pages turning toward the unpredictable conclusion. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Woman in White is both modern and readable.