Robert Louis Stevenson originally wrote Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde as a "shilling shocker." He then burned thedraft and,upon his wife"s advice, rewrote it as the darkly complex tale it is today.Stark ,skillfully woven,this fascinating novel explores the curious case of Dr. Jekyll,a kindly scientist who by night takes on his stunted evilself, Mr. Hyde. Anticipating modern psychology,Dr.Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a brilliantly original study of man"s dual nature-as well an immortal tale of sus- pense and terror.
Published in 1886, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was an instant success and brought Stevenson his first taste of fame. Though sometimes dismissed as a mere mystery story, the book has evoked much literary admiration.Vladimir Nabokv likened it to Madame Bovary and Dead Souls as "a fable that lies nearer to poetry than to ordinary prose fiction."