The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll Mr Hy..., Robert Louis Stevenson
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll Mr Hy..., Robert Louis Stevenson
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The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde

Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

Narrator: John Sessions

Abridged: 2 hr 36 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Naxos

Published: 08/01/2000

Categories: Fiction, Classic


Synopsis

Both a cracking tale of horror and a deeply audacious account of the human psyche, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde has continued to thrill and fascinate since it was first published in 1886. Dr Jekyll wants to rid his soul of evil, and in doing so creates the monstrous alter ego Mr Hyde. As time goes on he slides increasingly into this other side of his personality until it finally takes over, with disastrous consequences. As the determined Mr Utterson races to uncover the secret of the good Dr Jekyll’s sinister new companion, the cosy Victorian world of wealth and comfort is discovered to be under siege.

About Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson, a Scottish essayist, poet, and author of fiction and travel books, was born in 1850 in Edinburgh. As a child, he suffered from tuberculosis and spent much of his time in bed composing stories before he could even read. His father was a prosperous joint-engineer to the Board of Northern Lighthouses. Stevenson studied engineering at Edinburgh University but, due to his ill health, had to abandon his plans to follow in his father's footsteps. He changed to law and passed the Scottish bar in 1875. Stevenson then took some time to travel to warmer countries in an attempt to improve his health. These experiences provided much material for his works.

Instead of practicing law, Stevenson devoted himself to writing travel sketches, essays, and short stories for magazines. While on a trip to France, he met Fanny Osbourne, whom he married in California in 1880. They later returned to Scotland but moved often, in search of better climates.

Stevenson is especially known for his adventure novels. His first success was the romantic adventure story Treasure Island. His other prominent works include Kidnapped, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and The Black Arrow. Characteristic of Stevenson's novels is a skillful use of horror and supernatural elements. His stories are often set in colorful locations, where his characters can forget the restrictions of Victorian social manners. Arguing against realism, Stevenson underlined the "nameless longings of the reader," or the desire for experience.

In 1885 Stevenson published A Child's Garden of Verses, which was dedicated to his childhood nurse and has since been made into popular songs. His last work, Weir of Hermiston, was left unfinished, but it is considered his masterpiece. From the late 1880s until his death, Stevenson lived with his family in Samoa. He enjoyed a period of comparative good health but died of a brain hemorrhage in 1894.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Jeffrey

”It came about that Edward Hyde was so much smaller, slighter, and younger than Henry Jekyll. Even as good shone upon the countenance of the one, evil was written broadly and plainly on the face of the other. Evil besides (which I must still believe to be the lethal side of man) had left on that bod......more

Goodreads review by Elle

55 pages later and I’m still convinced that Robert Louis Stevenson named his characters this way exclusively so he could fit in the line “if he shall be Mr. Hyde, I shall be Mr. Seek!” and honestly? that’s iconic. Quiet minds cannot be perplexed or frightened but go on in fortune or misfortun......more

Goodreads review by Anne

Pfft. This Stevenson guy totally ripped off Stan Lee's Hulk character! I mean, did this dude seriously think he could get away with what basically boils down to a copy & paste job of one of the most iconic literary characters in comics?! I. Think. Not. Stan, my friend, you have a real chance at winnin......more

Goodreads review by Ariel

OH BOY, OH BOY, PEOPLE I HAVE A NEW FAVOURITE! This edition came with two stories, "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" and "The Bottle Imp," and they were both awesome let's talk about them. I'm so excited I can't contain myself. Jekyll: - So. Well. Crafted. From beginning to end the story wa......more

Oldschool schizophrenia That created a whole subgenre The options are sheer endless, because everything is possible with such a main character(s). Who is/are they, what is real or just fiction, how long is which personality taking control, who is the really good or bad character, what is their motiv......more