The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

I'm not sure it's worth my reviewing the story in this book, since everyone is so familiar with it. But if you haven't actually read this original version then it is well worth doing so, if you can cope with the beautiful classic writing style.The main reason I wanted to do this review was to let you know just how nice this book is physically.The format is a Flexibound Edition by Barnes & Noble. It's basically a faux leather-bound cover. Obviously not real leather, it is a soft feel plastic or rubber which is marginally flexible in the hand.The first and last pages are backed in the old-world style using frantically patterned end papers.The page edges are colour sprayed to complement the cover.There is also a page marking ribbon.Even the relatively thick paper stock has slightly off white colouring and lends itself to the feel of an old original collectable.In short, for the incredibly low retail price of this book you get an absolutely stunning edition, which looks fantastic on the shelf in a collected set and feels great in the hand as you read. Barnes and Noble do a nice collection in this format. Just search for (Barnes Noble Flexibound editions) on Amazon.

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 stories were written, as the prose, a little dense and convoluted, does appear earlier ~ hence 4 Stars.

The whole design is very appealing, with the golden letters and the golden edge of the paper is really classy and elegant. One thing I would point out is that the size of the book is small, not like a traditional harbound cover. So some might find the letters a tad bit small. Which I don't mind at all. I love special editition books and this is exceptionally great at that.

Arrived in great condition for a great price. Really enjoy the Flexibound collection, not as heavy or awkward to read as hardback, but more sturdy than a paperback.

This was a very good quality book, and as such I can't fault it. Being a classic story the plot is well known, and I did enjoy plot. Unlike some of the 'classics' it's an easy read.