Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

6b.  R.L. Stevenson. London: 1886 First edition

Notes

• Written in a creative burst: Stevenson reportedly wrote the first draft in just three to six days after having a vivid nightmare about a man transforming into another being.

• Inspired by real Edinburgh: The split nature of Jekyll and Hyde is often linked to Stevenson’s hometown of Edinburgh, a city known in the 19th century for its respectable New Town and darker, crime-ridden Old Town.

• Hyde is smaller on purpose: Mr Hyde is described as physically smaller than Dr Jekyll, symbolizing how evil is a stunted, underdeveloped part of human nature rather than a full self.

• Victorian readers were shocked: The novella explored taboo ideas—repressed desires, addiction, and dual personality—which made it scandalous as well as wildly popular.

• The twist wasn’t obvious at first: Early readers often didn’t realize Jekyll and Hyde were the same person until late in the story; modern readers usually know the secret in advance.

• “Jekyll and Hyde” became a phrase: The book permanently added the expression “Jekyll and Hyde” to everyday language to describe people with sharply divided personalities.

• Hyde has no clear motive: Unlike many villains, Hyde commits cruel acts seemingly for pleasure alone, making him especially unsettling.

• It’s a short but powerful read: The original story is a novella, not a full-length novel—most editions are under 100 pages.

"Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is a classic novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, first published in 1886. It tells the story of Dr. Henry Jekyll, a respected and noble scientist, who creates a potion that transforms him into the malicious and amoral Mr. Edward Hyde. Through this duality, Stevenson explores themes of morality, the nature of good and evil, and the consequences of unchecked desires. Jekyll's struggle to control Hyde, and ultimately the tragic consequences of his experiments, serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of giving in to one's darker impulses.

Description

original wrappers enclosed in brown box, very good condition.