Wilkie Collins, página 3 de 33

En 1857, Charles Dickens y Wilkie Collins se pusieron a escribir una historia a cuatro manos. El resultado fue esta divertida novela protagonizada por dos profesionales del ocio, dos amigos cuya holgazaneria constituye un paradojico acto de rebeldia en una Inglaterra victoriana que ensalzaba la diligencia y la productividad como virtudes rectoras.Como el Bartleby de Herman Melville, el duo comico formado por Thomas Idle y Francis Goodchild preferiria no hacer nada, o al menos nada que comporte un esfuerzo demasiado oneroso. Aun asi, hilarantes aunque modestas aventuras les salen al paso en sus viajes por los pueblos de Inglaterra. La ascension de una montaña, un dia en las carreras de caballos, un partido de criquet, un trayecto en ferrocarril o la visita a un balneario; hasta la actividad mas anodina puede propiciar el encuentro con personajes pintorescos y situaciones disparatadas que acabaran por reafirmar a Thomas Idle en su resolucion de no volver a ser activo nunca mas, bajo ningun pretexto y por todo el tiempo que le quedara de vida.Esta deliciosa novela de espiritu cervantino da rienda suelta, a traves de digresiones e historias intercaladas, a lo mejor de cada autor: el realismo lirico y la satira social de Dickens, el misterio y el suspense que con tanto exito cultivo Collins.

Horror lies waiting. A sinister Countess is driven mad by a dark secret. An innocent woman is made the instrument of retribution. A murdered mans fury reaches beyond the grave. When Countess Narona marries Agnes Lockwoods fiance and takes him to live in a rundown Venetian palace, strange things start happening.

WILKIE COLLINS, autor de novelas memorables como LA PIEDRA LUNAR o LA DAMA DE BLANCO, escribió numerosas historias breves en las que abunda el terror y lo sobrenatural. En el inolvidable relato de LA DAMA DEL SUEÑO, Isaac Scatchard la noche anterior a sus 40 cumpleños sueña con una mujer de gran belleza intentando matarle con un cuchillo. Siete años despues conoce a Rebecca y se casa con ella sin el consentimiento de su anciana madre quien sabe que Rebecca es la dama del sueño. Algunos meses despues, Rebecca compra un enorme cuchillo y se convierte en la realidad en el mortal peligro anunciado en el sueño. El suspense constituye la mayor originalidad de estos relatos que enganchan al lector de la primera a la ultima pagina.

Classic / British English (Available May 2008) Only the Woman in White knows the truth of Laura Fairlies cruel husband. Can Walter Hartwright discover the terrible secret? From the moment Walter meets this mysterious woman, his future and that of Laura are linked forever.

Wilkie Collins wrote a succession of extraordinarily powerful novels of private life; of these "The Evil Genius" is among the finest.The story is motivated by the attraction between Herbert Linley and the woman he hires as governess for his child Kittythe long suffering Sydney Westerfield. As one expects with Collins, the story is driven forward with deft assurance. Yet he also treats the theme of adultery and divorce in a manner quite unconventional for his timeand, remarkably, he manages to draw readers into a sympathetic understanding of both of the main female characters: the offending governess and the aggrieved wife."The Evil Genius" was a very considerable success when first published; indeed, it brought Collins more financially than any of his other works. Over a century later its sinews retain the strength to speak powerfully to the reader; lively and intelligent, it is perhaps the finest of Collins later novels.

"The Queen of Hearts", title of Collins work first published in 1859, is also the school nickname of Jessie Yelverton, who arranges to stay for six weeks with her elderly guardian, Griffith, a retired lawyer. Griffith lives with his two brothers, Owen the clergyman and Morgan the doctor, in an isolated house in South Wales. Griffiths son, George, is in love with Jessie and the three brothers set out to delay her departure for ten days so that George can propose on his return from the Crimean war. In a kind of Arabian Nights story-telling, the three brothers draw on their professional experiences to entertain their young guest with a different entertaining and exciting story each evening.

Valeria Woodville's first act as a married woman is to sign her name in the marriage register incorrectly, and this slip is followed by the gradual disclosure of a series of secrets about her husband's earlier life, each of which leads on to another set of questions and enigmas. Her discoveries prompt her to defy her husband's authority, to take the law into into a labyrinthine maze of false clues and deceptive identities, in which the exploration of the tangled workings of the mind becomes linked to an investigation into the masquerades of femininity. Probably the first full-length novel with a woman detective as its heroine, The Law and the Lady is a fascinating example of Collins's later fiction. First published in 1875, it employs many of the techniques used in The Moonstone, developing them in bizarre and unexpected ways, and in its Gothic and fantastic elements The Law and the Lady adds a significant dimension to the history of detective fiction.

NO NAME

This is the story of what a Womans patience can endure, and what a Mans resolution can achieve.If the machinery of the Law could be depended on to fathom every case of suspicion, and to conduct every process of inquiry, with moderate assistance only from the lubricating influences of oil of gold, the events which fill these pages might have claimed their share of the public attention in a Court of Justice.But the Law is still, in certain inevitable cases, the pre-engaged servant of the long purse; and the story is left to be told, for the first time, in this place. As the Judge might once have heard it, so the Reader shall hear it now. No circumstance of importance, from the beginning to the end of the disclosure, shall be related on hearsay evidence. When the writer of these introductory lines (Walter Hartright by name) happens to be more closely connected than others with the incidents to be recorded, he will describe them in his own person. When his experience fails, he will retire from the position of narrator; and his task will be continued, from the point at which he has left it off, by other persons who can speak to the circumstances under notice from their own knowledge, just as clearly and positively as he has spoken before them.Thus, 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 witnesswith the same object, in both cases, to present the truth always in its most direct and most intelligible aspect; and to trace the course of one complete series of events, by making the persons who have been most closely connected with them, at each successive stage, relate their own experience, word for word.Let Walter Hartright, teacher of drawing, aged twenty-eight years, be heard first.

BASIL

At the centre of Hide and Seek (1854) a secret waits to be revealed. Why should the apparently respectable painter Valentine Blyth refuse to account for the presence in his household of the beautiful girl known as Madonna? It is not until his young friend Zack Thorpe, who is in rebellion against his repressive father, gets into bad company and meets a mysterious stranger that the secret of Madonna can be unravelled. Wilkie Collins's third novel, dedicated to his life-long friend Dickens, is a story in which excitement is combined with charm and humour. In its mixture of the everyday and the extraordinary, Hide and Seek forms a bridge between the domestic novel and the sensational fiction for which Collins later became famous.

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 "Man and Wife," Wilkie Collins explores the intricate dynamics of marriage, gender roles, and societal expectations in Victorian England. This novel deftly navigates the complexities of love and duty through the story of the ill-fated union between Geoffrey Delafield and his beloved Laura. Collins employs a rich narrative style, blending elements of sensation fiction with psychological depth, characterized by intricate plotting and a focus on character motivations. The interplay of foreshadowing and dramatic irony reveals the precarious nature of marital vows, questioning the very institution of marriage and its implications for individual rights, particularly those of women. Wilkie Collins, a contemporary of Charles Dickens and a pioneer of detective fiction, was a keen observer of social issues, influenced by personal experiences and friendships, notably with women who challenged societal norms. His progressive views on marriage stemmed from his own unconventional domestic life and his empathy for the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society. These influences are vividly manifested in "Man and Wife," which invites readers to consider the societal constraints of their time and the often tragic consequences of unexamined traditions. Highly recommended for readers interested in Victorian literature, Collinss "Man and Wife" offers a compelling examination of the intersection of personal desire and social obligation. Embark on a thought-provoking journey where romantic idealism clashes with harsh realities, making this novel an enduring exploration of the human condition that resonates even today.

In "Antonina; Or, The Fall of Rome," Wilkie Collins crafts a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of the decline of the Roman Empire. Blending historical fiction with romance and adventure, Collins employs a rich, descriptive literary style that immerses readers in the tumultuous era. The novel explores themes of love, loyalty, and the dire consequences of political strife, interweaving meticulously researched historical events with fictional characters to create a vivid tapestry of an age in chaos. The use of multiple perspectives adds depth and complexity, illustrating the multifaceted nature of human experiences during this tumultuous period. Wilkie Collins, a contemporary and associate of Charles Dickens, was known for his pioneering work in the detective fiction genre. His fascination with the darker aspects of society, combined with a keen sense of the dramatic, informed his writing process. Collinss exposure to diverse literary influences and his personal experiences living in a society rife with social injustice likely inspired him to explore the human condition during a time of societal collapse, reflecting both personal and historical upheaval in his narratives. "Antonina; Or, The Fall of Rome" is highly recommended for history enthusiasts, as well as fans of Victorian literature. Collinss ability to weave thrilling plots with rich historical context delivers a captivating reading experience that resonates with contemporary themes. Engaging with this work offers not only entertainment but also profound insights into human resilience amidst the inevitable tides of change.

Wilkie Collinss "Little Novels" presents a compelling collection of short stories that showcases his mastery of suspense and intricate plotting, hallmarks of his celebrated Gothic style. The book includes six tales, each encapsulating potent themes of love, deception, and the supernatural, reflecting Collinss keen interest in the darker sides of human nature. Crafted in a naturalistic tone characteristic of the Victorian era, these narratives engage with contemporary social issues while simultaneously captivating the reader with innovative storytelling techniques, including unreliable narrators and cliffhanger endings. Wilkie Collins, a contemporary and close associate of Charles Dickens, was a pioneer of the detective and mystery genres. His extensive experience in law and the theatre significantly influenced his narrative structures and character development. Collinss life experiences, colored by social reform and personal struggles, imbue "Little Novels" with a psychological depth that was ahead of its time, offering insights into the complexities of Victorian society. Readers keen on uncovering the psychological intricacies of relationships and social critiques will find "Little Novels" an enriching exploration of human motives and societal norms. With Collinss deft storytelling and atmospheric prose, this collection is a must-read for enthusiasts of Gothic literature and early crime fiction.

The hero of the novel, Armadel, decides how to deceive fate, become loved and fall in love for life. The mysteries of life are the mysteries of love, which are presented to us by the main characters of the novel, and it is up to the readers to decide which characters to side with. A cry of passion or the silent restraint of love this is how the heroes of the novel behave.

These are Victorian melodramas set in England with a strong focus on the class system, but in the end thats what makes the stories so special. There are several common themes of Wilkie Collins, including the general theme of the return of a character presumed dead. Great for readers of Victorian fiction.

Wilkie Collins"The Dead Secret" unfolds a riveting narrative steeped in mystery and suspense, emblematic of the Victorian fascination with the macabre. Set in the atmospheric English countryside, the story revolves around the haunting legacy of a mothers dying secret, which ultimately entangles the lives of its characters in unexpected ways. Collins masterfully employs a mix of gothic elements and psychological depth, weaving intricate plot twists with richly drawn characters, all within a serialized format that engages readers in a deep exploration of morality and deception. Collins, often regarded as a pioneer of the mystery genre, utilized his own experiences with the tensions of Victorian society to inform his writing. A close associate of Charles Dickens, Collins was acutely aware of the societal norms and constraints of his time, particularly regarding themes of familial obligation and the female experience. His intent in "The Dead Secret" was to challenge these societal mores while simultaneously providing suspenseful entertainment, reflecting his belief in the power of narrative to evoke both empathy and critique. For readers eager to delve into the intricacies of human nature and the shadows of societal expectations, "The Dead Secret" is an essential read. Collins skillful storytelling not only entertains but also compels readers to reflect on the personal costs of secrets. This novel stands as a testament to Collins craft, offering a compelling study for both enthusiasts of the mystery genre and scholars of Victorian literature.

A young woman gets married and suddenly finds herself in a situation where her loving and beloved husband turns out to be the bearer of a different surname, and a terrible, dark and discrediting secr

A young aristocrat falls in love with a shopkeepers daughter and is forced to hide his marriage to her from his relatives because of the existing class inequality. The hero of the novel is subjected to countless trials, which lead some of the characters to a tragic end.