Wilkie Collins, página 10 de 32

A pioneer in the art of the english detective novel and a master of innovation, wilkie collins was one of the most successful and gifted writers of his generation. In the words of michael innes the moonstone 'stands alone in its kind... [there is] a sense of attending upon the birth ofthe detective story'.

Conocido universalmente gracias a sus dos grandes obras, "La dama de blanco" y "La piedra lunar" (ambas editadas por Montesinos), Wilkie Collins es autor de un buen número de novelas y relatos. "Monkton el loco" es una de sus piezas fantasticas mas perfectas. Escrita en un tono a la vez reposado y tenso, ritmico y escueto estilo comun a toda su obra y que ha desatado las alabanzas de Borges, Eliot y Swinburne, esta breve obra maestra narra la angustia y desventura de un joven abocado a la muerte, o mejor dicho, a la ambiguedad de una muerte probable. Todo podria reducirse, para Alfred Monkton, al padecimiento de una fuerte neurosis obsesiva. Pero una sucesion de pequeños elementos instaura esa duda abismal ante lo desconocido que caracteriza a los mejores ejemplos de un genero, el fantastico, en el que "Monkton el loco" se inscribe con todos los honores.

The Woman in White is considered to be among the first mystery novels and is widely regarded as one of the first and finest in the genre of "sensation novels".The story is sometimes considered an early example of detective fiction with protagonist Walter Hartright employing many of the sleuthing techniques of later private detectives. The use of multiple narrators draws on Collinss legal training, and as he points out in his Preamble: "the story here presented will be told by more than one pen, as the story of an offence against the laws is told in Court by more than one witness". In 2003, Robert McCrum writing for The Observer listed The Woman in White number 23 in "the top 100 greatest novels of all time", and the novel was listed at number 77 on the BBCs survey The Big Read.

"Allí, en medio de la calzada ancha y bien iluminada por la luna, como si súbitamente hubiera brotado de la tierra o hubiera caído del cielo, me encontré la figura de una solitaria mujer ataviada de pies a cabeza con prendas de un blanco inmaculado." Tras su inquietante encuentro con la mujer de blanco, el joven profesor de dibujo Walter Hartright viaja a Cumberland para dar clases a dos hermanas, Laura y Marian. Pero los agradables dias en Limmeridge House acaban con la llegada del prometido de Laura y con la sorprendente reaparicion de la misteriosa mujer de blanco y su turbadora advertencia. En La mujer de blanco -un autentico best seller desde su primera publicacion-, el lector se ve arrastrado por un suspense continuo gracias a la destreza narrativa de Wilkie Collins y a los portentosos retratos de sus personajes. A traves de una trama prodigiosa que se desarrolla paulatinamente mediante los relatos de sus principales testigos, los oscuros secretos se iran desvelando.

“En algunas de mis novelas anteriores me propuse establecer la influencia ejercida por las circunstancias sobre el carácter. En la presente historia he invertido el proceso. Mi meta ha sido señalar a

Confesiones de unbribón narra en primera persona las desventuras e Francis, un muchacho de la alta sociedad londiense que tras abandonar la carrera de medicina iiciada para agradar a su señor padre, el doctor ortimer, se dedicara al arte de la caricatura y a satira. Dicho arte hara peligrar la sacrosantareputacion familiar e incluso la boda de su finiima hermana Arabela con Batterbury, hombre de inensa fortuna y con un pie en el mas alla.

Wilkie Collins escribió 26 novelas y más de 50 relatos cortos. Entre sus obras destacan The woman in white (1860), Armadale (1866), The Moonstone (1868) y The Law and the Lady (1875). Su última novela, Blind Love, fue concluida por su amigo Walter Besant, ya que Collins, con una salud muy quebrada desde hacia años, sufrio una paralisis parcial en junio de 1889, falleciendo en septiembre de ese mismo año.

The Moonstone, a yellow diamond looted from an Indian temple and believed to bring bad luck to its owner, is bequeathed to Rachel Verinder on her eighteenth birthday. That very night the priceless stone is stolen again and when Sergeant Cuff is brought in to investigate the crime, he soon realizes that no one in Rachels household is above suspicion. Hailed by T. S. Eliot as the first, the longest, and the best of modern English detective novels, "The Moonstone" is a marvellously taut and intricate tale of mystery, in which facts and memory can prove treacherous and not everyone is as they first appear.

Cuando Walter Hartright, joven profesor de dibujo, se encuentra de madrugada en un camino con una misteriosa mujer vestida de blanco, no puede imaginarse que está empezando a vivir una aventura de consecuencias imprevisibles. Su traslado, justo a continuacion, a una mansion de la costa noroeste de Inglaterra para instruir a dos hermanas, le servira para encontrar el amor en una de ellas y desencadenar una fascinante intriga que iran relatando varios de sus protagonistas, entre los que destacan la energica y perspicaz Marian Halcombe y el extravagante y muy maquiavelico conde Fosco. "La mujer de blanco" es una novela cargada de misterio, reflejo de los claroscuros de la era victoriana, y que el lector dificilmente podra dejar una vez comenzada.Cuando Walter Hartright, joven profesor de dibujo, se encuentra de madrugada en un camino con una misteriosa mujer vestida de blanco, no puede imaginarse que está empezando a vivir una aventura de consecuencias imprevisibles. Su traslado, justo a continuacion, a una mansion de la costa noroeste de Inglaterra para instruir a dos hermanas, le servira para encontrar el amor en una de ellas y desencadenar una fascinante intriga que iran relatando varios de sus protagonistas, entre los que destacan la energica y perspicaz Marian Halcombe y el extravagante y muy maquiavelico conde Fosco. "La mujer de blanco" es una novela cargada de misterio, reflejo de los claroscuros de la era victoriana, y que el lector dificilmente podra dejar una vez comenzada.

Reuben Wray, actor retirado de los escenarios, es un fanático estudioso de las obras de Shakespeare que se gana la vida dando lecciones de oratoria. Al llegar con su familia a un nuevo hogar en Tidbury-on-the-Marsh, Reuben atrae la atencion de algunos de los nuevos vecinos a causa de una caja de caudales que ven oculta bajo su capa. Los lugareños suponen que Wray y su familia son ricos, aunque la caja contenga solo la mascara robada, replica en yeso del busto de Shakespeare que se encuentra en la iglesia de Stratford-upon-Avon y que para su dueño vale mas que cualquier tesoro en el mundo.El secreto que late tras la mascara abocara al viejo actor y a su familia a un desenlace totalmente inesperado durante la vispera de las Navidades.Alentado por el exito de obras como Cuento de Navidad, de su amigo Charles Dickens, Collins, con su habitual ironia, decidio publicar La mascara robada, en diciembre de 1851, para regalar a sus lectores su particular y diferente cuento navideño, lleno de misterio e intriga.

Is there no explanation of the mystery of The Haunted Hotel? Is The Haunted Hotel the tale of a haunting -- or the tale of a crime? The ghost of Lord Montberry haunts the Palace Hotel in Venice --- or does it? Montberrys beautiful-yet-terrifying wife, the Countess Narona, and her erstwhile brother are the center of the terror that fills the Palace Hotel. Are their malefactions at the root of the haunting -- or is there something darker, something much more unknowable at work?

When Rachel Verinder's legacy of a priceless Indian diamond is stolen, all the evidence indicates that it is her beloved, Franklin Blake, who is guilty. Around this central axis of crime and thwarted love, Collins constructs an ingenious plot of teasing twists and surprises, and an elaborate multi-voiced narrative that sustains the tension all the way to its stunning ending. Described by T.S. Eliot as "the first, the longest and the best of modern English detective novels", Wilkie Collins's The Moonstone is an important precursor of the modern mystery and suspense genres.

When Francis Raven is roused from his sleep on the eve of his birthday and confronted by the sight of a woman trying to stab him, he is unsure whether she is real or an apparition. Years later, against the wishes of his mother, he marries Alicia, a woman with a strange resemblance to the mysterious visitor, who ends up attacking him on his birthday, before vanishing from his life. Is Francis's wife a ghost, a demon or a living human being? And will the prophecy of the night-time visitation be fulfilled one day?

A House to Let is a short story written by Wilkie Collins. It was originally published in 1858 in the Christmas edition of Dickens Household Words magazine. Collins wrote the introduction and collaborated with Dickens on the second story and ending, while Gaskell and Proctor wrote the remainder. A House to Let was the first collaboration between the four writers, although Collins and Dickens had worked with Procter on previous Christmas stories for the magazine in 1854, 1855, and 1856. The four authors would write together again in 1859s "The Haunted House" which appeared in the extra Christmas number of All the Year Round, the successor to Household Words which Dickens had started after a dispute with his publishers. In a letter to Collins from 6 September 1858, Dickens outlined his idea for a Christmas story. He originally envisaged the story being written by himself and Collins with his plot outline fleshed out by Collins, but was later to invite Gaskell and Procter to contribute chapters. Dickens and Collins wrote the first chapter, "Over the Way", and the last chapter "Let at Last" together, and each of the writers wrote one of the intervening chapters: Gaskell "The Manchester Marriage", Dickens "Going into Society", Procter "Three Evenings in the House" and Collins "Trottles Report". The plot concerns an elderly woman, Sophonisba, who notices signs of life in a supposedly empty dilapidated house (the eponymous "House to Let") opposite her own and employs the efforts of an elderly admirer, Jabez Jarber, and her servant, Trottle, to discover what is happening within. A dramatisation of "A House to Let" was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 during the week of 1115 December 2006. It was repeated on Radio Four Extra during the week 2630 December 2011, again in December 2014 and again during the week 19-23 December 2016.

El día de su decimoctavo cumpleaños Rachel Verinder recibe el diamante sagrado hindú conocido como “La Piedra Lunar”, que su difunto tío le ha legado en su testamento y que se supone que él robó en l

In The Complete Short Stories of Wilkie Collins, readers are invited into a nuanced exploration of human psychology, morality, and social critique, delivered through the masterful lens of Collinss narrative style. This anthology showcases Collinss diverse storytelling abilities, ranging from gothic horror to incisive social commentary, infused with his signature blend of suspense and character-driven plots. The historical context of the Victorian era permeates the text, as Collins skillfully navigates themes of gender, class, and the burgeoning complexities of modernity, reflecting the anxieties and aspirations of his time. Wilkie Collins, often regarded as a pioneer of detective fiction and a contemporary of Charles Dickens, was deeply influenced by the societal issues of his day, including the roles of women and the legal system. His own life experiences, including a notable relationship with a strong-willed woman and his struggles with illness, informed his rich character portrayals and plot intrigues. Collinss literary ambitions were not just grounded in entertainment; they sought to provoke thought and challenge societal norms. Readers seeking a profound literary experience will find The Complete Short Stories of Wilkie Collins an indispensable addition to their collection. The stories showcase Collinss innovative narrative techniques and compelling plots, making them as relevant today as they were in the Victorian era. Whether a seasoned literary enthusiast or a newcomer to Collinss work, this collection promises intrigue, empathy, and contemplation.

In The Woman in White, Wilkie Collins weaves a complex narrative that combines elements of mystery, gothic fiction, and social commentary against the backdrop of Victorian England. The novel employs a multi-voiced epistolary structure, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the perspectives of various characters as they navigate themes of identity, madness, and the plight of women in a patriarchal society. The illustrated edition enriches the reading experience by offering visual interpretations of key scenes, enhancing the gripping atmosphere and emotional resonance of the plot. Wilkie Collins, a contemporary and close associate of Charles Dickens, was a pioneer in the detective genre, deeply influenced by his own experiences with the intricate social dynamics and legal injustices of the time. His fascination with psychological depth and moral ambiguity is evident in this work, as he explores the lives of marginalized women and men ensnared by societal expectations. Collinss background as a legal practitioner provides a profound understanding of the thematic complexities embodied in The Woman in White. This compelling gothic tale is a must-read for those who appreciate rich character development and intricate plotting. Collinss incisive commentary on gender dynamics and the legal system invites readers to reflect on the enduring issues of authority and autonomy. Engaging and thought-provoking, The Woman in White remains a seminal work that continues to resonate with audiences today.

In Wilkie Collins seminal work, "The Woman in White," the author deftly weaves a complex narrative that blends elements of mystery, gothic suspense, and social critique. Presented in a serialized format, the novel employs multiple viewpoints and a richly atmospheric prose style that immerses readers in the psychological depth of its characters. It explores themes of identity, madness, and the oppressive structures of Victorian society, particularly concerning gender and classa reflection of the societal mores prevalent during Collins time. This illustrated edition further enriches the experience, offering visual interpretations that enhance the haunting narrative. Wilkie Collins, often hailed as a pioneer of the detective genre, was profoundly influenced by his personal experiences and the literary context of the mid-19th century. Close friendship with Charles Dickens and an engagement with contemporary social issues shaped Collins literary themes. Known for his commitment to realism, Collins drew on personal observations of the social injustices of his day, which uniquely positioned him to tackle the plight of women as exemplified in the character of Laura Fairlie. Readers are invited to enjoy Collins masterful storytelling, which not only captivates but also challenges societal norms. "The Woman in White" is a critical exploration of morality tinged with suspense, making it essential reading for those interested in Victorian literature, gender studies, or simply a thrilling narrative experience.

In The Haunted Hotel, Wilkie Collins masterfully blends elements of gothic fiction with a gripping detective narrative, crafting a tale that immerses readers in a world of suspense and psychological intrigue. Set against the backdrop of a quintessentially eerie hotel, the story explores themes of illusion, identity, and the supernatural, underscoring Collins innovative narrative style that frequently employs unreliable narrators and intricate plotting. The novel, published in the late Victorian era, reflects the periods fascination with the macabre and the burgeoning interest in spiritualism, while also addressing broader societal anxieties surrounding crime and morality. Wilkie Collins, a contemporary and friend of Charles Dickens, was a pioneering figure in the development of the mystery genre. His own experiences with the paranormal and his deep engagement with Victorian debates about science and mysticism undoubtedly influenced his writing. The Haunted Hotel showcases Collins ability to intertwine personal tribulations and societal concerns, drawing from his rich background in law and theatre, which lends a unique authenticity to his storytelling methods and character development. For readers interested in Victorian literature, gothic themes, and the evolution of mystery fiction, The Haunted Hotel is an essential addition to the canon. Collins engaging prose and compelling plot twists invite attendees to reflect on human natures complexities while savoring an atmospheric reading experience. This novel not only entertains but also provokes profound thought regarding reality and the unknown.