The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
This Norton Critical Edition includes:
- The first British edition of the novel, published in 1886 by Longmans, Green, and Co., the only edition set directly from Stevenson's manuscript and for which he read and corrected proofs.
- Deborah Lutz's thorough introduction and detailed explanatory footnotes to the novel.
- Seven illustrations.
- A rich and relevant selection of background materials centered on the novel's composition, reception, and historical and cultural contexts, alongside seven of Stevenson's letters.
- Interpretative essays by Elaine Showalter, Jack Halberstam, Martin Danahay, and Stephen Arata.
- A chronology and a selected bibliography.
About the Series
Read by more than 12 million students over fifty-five years, Norton Critical Editions set the standard for apparatus that is right for undergraduate readers. The three-part format--annotated text, contexts, and criticism--helps students to better understand, analyze, and appreciate the literature, while opening a wide range of teaching possibilities for instructors. Whether in print or in digital format, Norton Critical Editions provide all the resources students need.
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Community Reviews
If you're looking for an easy entry point into Gothic literature, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a solid choice. The book is short - just over fifty pages - and doesn't leave the reader guessing at its meaning for too long. This makes it approachable for a work of its age, but also limits how much is left open to interpretation.
Mr. Hyde's role and symbolism are clearly explained by the end of the novella. While this clarity may be helpful for some readers, it also lessens the impact of the story's central mystery. Because so much is spelled out, there's not a great deal left to linger in the reader’s mind afterward.
That said, the narrative is fairly engaging and holds the reader’s attention. Still, I found myself grateful that it was as short as it was, as by the final pages, it was beginning to drag.
Mr. Hyde's role and symbolism are clearly explained by the end of the novella. While this clarity may be helpful for some readers, it also lessens the impact of the story's central mystery. Because so much is spelled out, there's not a great deal left to linger in the reader’s mind afterward.
That said, the narrative is fairly engaging and holds the reader’s attention. Still, I found myself grateful that it was as short as it was, as by the final pages, it was beginning to drag.
I picked this up for bookclub. I was expecting it to be scary, just from what I had heard about it over the years. Nothing popped out at me. It was an interesting psychological book. I don't know that I would really call it a thriller even.
I knew a lot about it before I picked it up, so I wonder if that was part of my disappointment.
The book was very well written and I did enjoy it. I think the fact that it had been written so many years ago gave it time to have all its spoilers leaked to the general public.
It did stand the test of time, though. There wasn't anything that was glaringly outdated or out of place in the book. It was definitely worth reading.
I knew a lot about it before I picked it up, so I wonder if that was part of my disappointment.
The book was very well written and I did enjoy it. I think the fact that it had been written so many years ago gave it time to have all its spoilers leaked to the general public.
It did stand the test of time, though. There wasn't anything that was glaringly outdated or out of place in the book. It was definitely worth reading.
The first novel I ever read as a kid. I remember enjoying it. Looking forward to reading it as an adult and leave a better review.
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