Armadale
Feb 2021 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
653
Pages
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About this ebook
When the elderly Allan Armadale makes a terrible confession on his death-bed, he has little idea of the repercussions to come, for the secret he reveals involves the mysterious Lydia Gwilt: flame-haired temptress, bigamist, laudanum addict and husband-poisoner. Her malicious intrigues fuel the plot of this gripping melodrama: a tale of confused identities, inherited curses, romantic rivalries, espionage, money—and murder. The character of Lydia Gwilt horrified contemporary critics, with one reviewer describing her as "One of the most hardened female villains whose devices and desires have ever blackened fiction." She remains among the most enigmatic and fascinating women in nineteenth-century literature and the dark heart of this most sensational of Victorian "sensation novels." (Goodreads)
About the author
Wilkie Collins (1824-1889) was a pioneering English novelist, playwright, and short story writer, best known for his contributions to the development of the detective and sensation genres. Born into a family of artists, Collins initially pursued a career in law before turning to literature, where he found his true calling. His friendship and collaboration with Charles Dickens significantly influenced his career, with Collins contributing to Dickens' periodicals and often sharing the stage with him during public readings.Collins' groundbreaking works, such as "The Woman in White" and "The Moonstone," are celebrated for their intricate plots, psychological depth, and innovative use of suspense. "The Moonstone" is particularly notable for being one of the first detective novels in English literature, introducing readers to the concept of the detective as a central character.Collins' personal life was as unconventional as his fiction. He maintained long-term relationships with two women simultaneously, Caroline Graves and Martha Rudd, defying Victorian social norms. This aspect of his life, along with his progressive views on women's rights and his critique of social injustices, adds a layer of intrigue to his legacy.Despite struggling with health issues and addiction to laudanum, Collins remained a prolific writer. His works not only entertained but also challenged contemporary societal norms, influencing writers like Arthur Conan Doyle and paving the way for modern detective fiction. Today, Wilkie Collins is remembered as a master storyteller who dared to explore the darker corners of the human psyche and society.
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