The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde — Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson originally wrote Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde as a "shilling shocker." He then burned the draft and, upon his wife's advice, rewrote it as the darkly complex tale it is today. Stark, skillfully woven, this fascinating novel explores the curious turnings of human character through the strange case of Dr. Jekyll, a kindly scientist who by night takes on his stunted evil self, Mr. Hyde. Anticipating modern psychology, Jekyll and Hyde is a brilliantly original study of man's dual nature -- as well as an immortal tale of suspense and terror.

Published in 1886, Jekyll and Hyde was an instant success and brought Stevenson his first taste of fame. Though sometimes dismissed as a mere mystery story, the book has evoked much literary admiration. Vladimir Nabokov likened it to Madame Bovary and Dead Souls as "a fable that lies nearer to poetry. than to ordinary prose fiction."