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Title: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Classic Fiction) by Robert Louis Stevenson ISBN: 9-6263459-0-X Publisher: Naxos Audiobooks Ltd. Pub. Date: 01 September, 1996 Format: Audio Cassette Volumes: 2 List Price(USD): $13.98 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.05 (55 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: An Enjoyable Classic
Comment: Let me first echo the sentiments expressed by others and comment on what a beautiful edition the Univ of Nebraska Press has produced. The margins are indeed wide and the type very readable. This edition is easily held, the illustrations nicely complement the text and the binding is quite durable. The introduction by Joyce Carol Oates is helpful albeit pedantic. Also, those who've read the Univ of Calif Press edition of Frankenstein will notice some overlap between this introduction and the one that Ms. Oates wrote for that particular edition. Nonetheless, the introduction is valuable.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is one of those stories, like Frankenstein and Dracula, that seemingly everyone has heard of and believes they understand("mythopoetic " in the language of Joyce Carol Oates). Much like the aforementioned works, the actual details of the story may come as a surprise to those who assume they know the story based solely on the popular understanding. For that reason alone I think the book is worth reading.
Dr. Jekyll is a respected if somewhat reclusive London doctor who has, through the course of years of experimentation, managed to create a solution which brings to the fore his evil alter-ego. Unlike many gothic literary villains, Hyde is not imbued with superhuman strength or exceptional gifts of any kind. In fact he is of a smaller and less imposing stature than most men. What he does possess however is a complete lack of compunction with regards to others. Hyde for example ruthlessly runs down a small child who gets in his way. As others have pointed out, this book is about, at least in part, moral restraint. Mr. Hyde is a part of Dr. Jekyll. This part was heretofore kept in check by the mores inculcated by society through child rearing practices, education, laws, et al. An elixir that eradicates moral restraint rips at the fabric of society and reverses in one fell swoop what it has taken hundreds of years to create.
As is the case with Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll creates something that he can't control and which eventually destroys its creator.
Although not created by a potion, I think we see many sections in this and other societies that are are marked by anomie. The inhumanity that the fictional Hyde displays can, not surprisingly, be seen in the non-fictional world on a daily basis. As such, there is a realism to the story which is missing from many horror stories past and present. The fact that such a short and captivating work exists in an attractively packaged edition makes this one classic that will be a joy to read for all.
Rating: 5
Summary: beautiful edition of classic story
Comment: The University of Nebraska Press edition of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is beautiful! The illustrations by Barry Moser, woodcuts that progress chronologically through Dr. Jekyll's life as it is described in hints throughout Robert Louis Stevenson's story, are atmospheric and evocative; a picture of a boy being guided by his father, for example, echoes Dr. Jekyll's comments that he has a "fatherly" interest in his alter-ego, Hyde, while Hyde has a son's "indifference" to the father; the cover illustration is a portrait of Dr. Jekyll's father destroyed by Mr. Hyde on a rampage.
Joyce Carol Oates's introduction is worthwhile, especially for those readers who know the story, as most English-speaking people do, in its basic framework, but who have not yet actually traveled the dark road with Dr. Jekyll and his friends.
It is a pleasure to read a classic book in such a carefully crafted edition. Too often books such as this are printed in cheap editions with narrow margins and lousy type; this one fits comfortably in the hand and is easy on the eye as the reader is drawn into this allegorical nightmare.
This review refers to the University of Nebraska Press edition only.
Rating: 4
Summary: Short - and an absolute classic
Comment: This book is less of a gripping story and more of a thought-provoking read. Stevenson could have written a much longer story following Jekyll and Hyde, a story that was more interesting and with more action. But what he did, was left it short, but gave the reader plenty to think about. What happens if we get rid of all inhibitions? Is there a monster inside of each of us trying to get out for a while?
Stevenson created a short story that everyone should read. He creates a mystery and waits until the end to explain exactly what has been happening. Even if you know the main idea behind Jekyll and Hyde from TV or movies, read the book. The story is unique, dark, and mysterious.
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Title: The Invisible Man (Dover Thrift Editions) by H. G. Wells ISBN: 0486270718 Publisher: Dover Publications Pub. Date: 01 February, 1992 List Price(USD): $2.00 |
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Title: Frankenstein (Changing Our World) by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley ISBN: 0553212478 Publisher: Bantam Pub. Date: 01 June, 1984 List Price(USD): $4.95 |
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Title: Dracula (Signet Classics (Paperback)) by Bram Stoker ISBN: 0451523377 Publisher: Signet Classics Pub. Date: 01 October, 1997 List Price(USD): $4.95 |
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Title: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne ISBN: 0812550927 Publisher: Tor Books Pub. Date: 01 October, 1995 List Price(USD): $3.99 |
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Title: The Picture of Dorian Gray and Other Short Stories by Oscar Wilde ISBN: 0451526015 Publisher: Signet Classics Pub. Date: 01 June, 1995 List Price(USD): $4.95 |
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