Stark and skillfully woven, this fascinating novel is a brilliantly original study of man’s dual nature as well as an immortal tale of suspense and terror.
Dr. Jekyll, a generous and philanthropic physician, is preoccupied with the problem of good and evil, and how to separate them. He develops a drug that will transform him into the demonic Mr. Hyde, in whose person he can exhaust all the latent evil in his nature. He also creates an antidote that will restore him to his respectable existence as Dr. Jekyll. Gradually, however, the unmitigated evil of his darker self begins to predominate.
This tale of the twisted, malevolent persona unleashed from a mild-mannered physician has lost none of its ability to shock. Its realistic police-style narrative chillingly relates Dr. Jekyll’s desperation as Hyde gains control of his soul—and gives voice to our own fears of the violence and evil within us.
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"I really really enjoyed this book! My favorite part had to be when Mr. Utterson found the letter that Dr. Jekyll had written to him about the events that had occurred with him connecting him with Mr. Hyde. It kinda helped me understand exactly what happened. My favorite character had to be Mr. Utterson. He was not like... Nosy but he was very intrigued to figure out what had happened and how it happened. I wish that Dr. Jekyll was alive to tell Utterson about what he wrote in his letter. I think it would have made it a little more interesting to see what Utterson's reaction to Jekyll's face. My ? for the author is, was it meant for that everyone could separate themselves from their good side, to their evil side? Or was it just that Jekyll figured out a way to separate his good and evil side. I really enjoyed the book !:)"
— Hunter (5 out of 5 stars)
“[A] gripping reading of Stevenson’s classic…Jarvis’ pacing is excellent, his characterization spot on, and his renditions of Jekyll and Hyde perfect.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred audio review)“A fable that lies nearer to poetry than to ordinary prose fiction.”
— Vladimir Nabokov“In its dramatization of the dark side of human nature, Stevenson’s novel anticipates Sigmund Freud’s study of the primitive forces of the mind that dwell in what he termed the unconscious and the id.”
— Masterpieces of World Literature“The theme of human duality…is nowhere presented with more force and originality than in Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde…Based upon the dual personalities of a single man representing beauty and beast, the story reveals Stevenson’s understanding of human nature and his mastery of English prose.”
— Masterpieces of World Literature“The novel is of great psychological perception and strongly concerned with ethical problems.”
— Reader’s Encyclopedia“Martin Jarvis delivers a gripping reading of Stevenson’s classic…Jarvis’s pacing is excellent, his characterization spot on, and his renditions of Jekyll and Hyde perfect; he creates two distinct characters that illustrate the story’s exploration into the duality of human nature.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred audio review)“Narrator Martin Jarvis masterfully delivers this classic tale of duplicity and transformation. His interpretation of the author’s period and language makes for a performance that gives the famous characters a deserving renaissance...Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”
— AudioFile“To hear Stevenson’s original story read to such a theatrically elegant perfection by award-winning British stage, film and television actor Martin Jarvis is a wonderful audio book experience.”
— SoundCommentary.com (starred review)" Knowing the story before I read this book ruined this for me. "
— Aileen, 2/12/2014" Sad and somewhat unnerving. Unfortunately the mystery is long-spoiled by pop culture (but it is interesting to put yourself in the shoes of an oblivious reader and pretend you don't know what comes next). Would have loved it if it had been longer and more developed, especially since there is plenty of material to do so. The last chapter was the very best bit. "
— Tati, 2/6/2014" An intelligent and scary story that everyone knows through stage, film and TV adaptions. The book is in fact shorter but works better for it as there is no padding. A good read. "
— Richard, 1/30/2014" Meh. This book was ok. I love the premise and the theme. It's a wonderful idea and a great story. Unfortunately, the book is too short. There is no character development. Overall, it was quite disappointing. I think this was a springboard idea to better books and movies, which I can appreciate, but this book was a let down. "
— Jeremy, 1/29/2014" The Jekyll and Hyde story has been told and retold in many forms since it was written. When I came across this book in the free Kindle classics list, I was intrigued. Even though I knew the essence of the story, I had never actually read the original. I enjoyed this book very much. "
— Jennifer, 1/28/2014" Not so fun when you know the story, but cool in a different way. Its, like, the first scary story I've ever really read(so its going in my favorites b/c i actually enjoyed it). "
— Kurara, 1/26/2014" This was probably amazing in 1886. However the story is old and used or referenced in many modern tales. Therefore the story which should be an exciting tale seemed dull. I wish I could of read this with no prior knowledge of the story! "
— Tammy, 1/23/2014" This is something I have always felt I should read- so I did- and discovered I do not like Stevenson's style- And so that takes care of two other books I felt I should read- Kidnapped and Treasure Island "
— Paige, 1/16/2014" One of my favorite classics. It is a must read for serious readers. "
— Marion, 1/15/2014" What I found most interesting is that the "Mr. Hyde" character is NOTHING like you've seen in any movie adaptation of this story. He is a dwarfish, vile little man....which ultimately did just what the author intended -- captured the antithesis of Dr. Jekyll. "
— Dru, 1/15/2014" This book is very interesting. I'll admit it's hard to get past the first few pages but after that it's smooth sailing (as long as you really pay attention to what's going on). This is not a book I would recommend to someone who wants to have a quick read that requires no thought or effort because although it is a quick read, you have to put a lot in to get anything out of it. It is fairly difficult to understand and I found myself rereading passages occasionally, but it is so worth the effort. "
— Brieanna, 1/14/2014" It was okay. I thought it was a bit confusing until my language arts teacher explained it to me. "
— Liz, 1/6/2014" I liked the experiment, and the creation of Mr. Hyde, it was rally interesting. I think we all have a Mr. Hyde inside of us, or a Dr. Jekyll, depending of the side we want to show to the world. "
— Indi, 1/3/2014" After years of wanting to read this book, I can say that I was thoroughly disappointed. "
— Christopher, 12/30/2013" A terrifying tale of good and evil. Another classic. Would read it again in a heartbeat. "
— Christian, 12/29/2013" Although knowing this tale very well, I didn't seem to read Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde with any expectations. I was quite intrigued at the very beginning and throughout enjoyed the mystery & suspense of the story. The descriptions were awesome of all the characters, but especially of Mr Hyde. I imagined him very well and was quite scared of the character. I even had dreams/nightmares whilst reading this book as the 'good and evil' concept played on my mind quite a bit. Overall I did enjoy this book very much :) "
— Katherine, 12/28/2013" Stunning, a must read. Far shorter than I expected. "
— Joshua, 12/12/2013" i didnt really like the book it got boring after awhile so i stoped reading it . "
— Kaitlin, 12/11/2013" Listened to the Lit 2 Go audiobook at work. I liked the story a lot. A good working of our inner selves. "
— Michael, 12/10/2013" I am not sure if all of the books and movies based on this book ruined it for me, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. "
— Sheneika, 12/7/2013" This is something I have always felt I should read- so I did- and discovered I do not like Stevenson's style- And so that takes care of two other books I felt I should read- Kidnapped and Treasure Island "
— Paige, 12/7/2013" This book made me think about all of our other two sides of who we are "
— Kim, 12/7/2013" It was okay... I think it was a bit of a disappointment because of already knowing the entire plot before hand. "
— Christen, 12/2/2013" I like the correlation between Hyde's physical deformity and his depraved actions. "
— Anita, 11/2/2013" A great, creepy story for dark winter evenings. "
— Gingerbiscuits, 10/22/2013" Again another thriller I enjoyed in my grade school days. Brilliantly written. "
— Steven, 9/20/2013" The first book I read in one day junior year of high school. "
— Cathy, 8/26/2013" Nice little read for university. You know it loses all of it's suspense when you know about the ending. "
— Clay, 8/8/2013" a nice story.& if you need a twist to it you should definitely watch Julia Robert's wonderful treatment of the story in the movie ''Mary Riley'' "
— Nesma, 7/16/2013" Quite fascinating. I was just a kid when I first read it, and I thought it was horrific, but I finished the book anyway. The urge of more tension drew me through. "
— Winnie, 7/13/2013" You can't go wrong with RLS. He writes beautifully and has a fantastic imagination. Also a great literary critic. Smart, witty, and an all around wonderful writer. "
— Icenyne, 5/27/2013" The best psychological thriller/mystery I have ever read. A completely gripping page turner. It will ALWAYS be my favorite. My version is only 116 pages. "
— Adrienne, 3/28/2013" This was a good, quick read. In fact, I almost wish it had been longer, since there was plenty of material there for a longer book. "
— Kevin, 2/16/2013" It's always fun to go back and read the classics that I never read! "
— Stacey, 2/1/2013" La pena de este libro es que todos llegamos conociendo su historia "
— Mientras, 11/26/2012" I liked Jekyll and Hyde. Mixed thoughts on the various short stories. Those involving the Bohemian Prince and the Suicide Club were fine. I thought The Body Snatcher was good but ended abruptly (the twist didn't create any result except to say "The End"). "
— Kevin, 11/15/2012" I can't make up my mind. It's a "split" decision :p "
— Jim, 11/4/2012" If you're in the mood for some good Victorian melodrama, you can't go wrong with Robert Louis Stevenson. I'd particulary recommend "Thrawn Janet" and "Markheim." Spooky! "
— Lynne, 11/2/2012" Don't let your Hyde side take over! "
— Tony, 10/9/2012" This is the famous fight between good and evil, where goodgave a chance of glory to evil but came as clear conquerer in the end. "
— Komal, 8/7/2012" Know and like the story but found the book hardgoing. "
— Shell, 7/19/2012" Really interesting, though the final chapter got a bit long-winded for me. "
— Abbey, 5/26/2012" Amusing tale. Too bad much of the suspense is built up around the fact that you don't know the gist of the story. Which sadly was not the case. "
— Fritz, 3/18/2012" I thought it was an interesting take on the duality of human nature/bipolar disorder/borderline personality disorder. "
— Edward, 2/20/2012" It wasn't really scary at all... "
— ZoraNorka, 12/13/2011" A little bit better than what I have been reading recently. "
— Laura, 9/8/2011" This is a well known story that everybody knows. The thing I liked best was how Stevenson got different perspectives into the story through letters, and different 'narrators'. A nice read which follows the story we know it to be. "
— John, 8/18/2011" This book was haunting. It had a good pace and mysterious nature, which I love.I don't understand how there hasn't been a mainstream movie based on this book. It definitely needs one. "
— Bracari.iris, 6/23/2011" I wish I could have read this book without already knowing that Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are one and the same. The book makes it a surprise at the end. So if you read this book keep in mind that the storyteller doesn't want you to know they are the same man. I enjoyed reading this classic tale. "
— Kathryn, 6/21/2011" i have no words because i have not finished it "
— Rose, 6/19/2011" Super interesting and attractive. The drama is great and you can feel the tension in each page. "
— Alexander, 6/19/2011" It was a good story line, but the actual story was a little spooky. I don't think I'll be reading it again. "
— Bridget, 6/10/2011" A book that makes you think about the duality ofcharacter in each of us, and the inner struggle of a person when dealing with ones good and evil side. "
— Asaritelaura, 6/9/2011" This is a good classic book that everyone should read. "
— Clark, 6/6/2011" It was nice book, the question of the story seems to be similar to Goethe's Faust.. the two parts of the human.. good and evil "
— Cevat, 6/6/2011" i was expecting more suspense-it was nice to have finally read the real thing after seeing so many adaptions-the book certainly raises some good questions for debate "
— Cknot1sk, 6/5/2011" Really....i believe that,there is conflict between good and evil <br/>so i`m amazed about this story "
— Mohamed, 6/1/2011" In our period of history, we are so used to things not being what they seem. But this book was the Da Vinci Code of its day. "
— Aimee, 5/27/2011" I suppose there really are two sides of us, one being the "natural" man. Poor Dr. Jekyll did not know what he was doing when he mixed up those chemicals, only to bring out the worst in him. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a fun, gruesome, and short read, first published in 1886. "
— Linda, 5/26/2011" Gotta love these classic horror stories! Jekyl and Hyde is a short book, and even though we all know the story of how Dr. Jekyl drinks a potion and turns into his evil alter-ego Mr. Hyde, the telling of the story is creepy and the vocabulary is brilliant. "
— Jbachelder, 5/24/2011" You get to look for your own Mr. Hyde. Although everyone knows the story, so there is really no surprise in the plot itself, reading this short book is a very interesting experience. The suspense grows page after page, together with the interior conflict of every man. "
— BlueBilly, 5/24/2011" "Dr.Jekyll" is cool but really guys, "The Merry Men" is the real shit. "
— Danielroffle, 5/22/2011" "Dr.Jekyll" is cool but really guys, "The Merry Men" is the real shit. "
— Danielroffle, 5/22/2011" "Dr.Jekyll" is cool but really guys, "The Merry Men" is the real shit. "
— Danielroffle, 5/22/2011" Lovely writing. Intricate, elegant phrasing that is so far removed from the blunt way we communicate in the modern world. Also an intriguing investigation of the desire to indulge in vice without consequence. "
— Maria, 5/16/2011" Even without the suspense as to the outcome, the book was an entertaining read. And, it's a classic! I have seen the play before and next time I'll have the full story in mind to make it richer. "
— Anne, 5/16/2011" Lovely writing. Intricate, elegant phrasing that is so far removed from the blunt way we communicate in the modern world. Also an intriguing investigation of the desire to indulge in vice without consequence. "
— Maria, 5/16/2011" Even without the suspense as to the outcome, the book was an entertaining read. And, it's a classic! I have seen the play before and next time I'll have the full story in mind to make it richer. "
— Anne, 5/16/2011" Lovely writing. Intricate, elegant phrasing that is so far removed from the blunt way we communicate in the modern world. Also an intriguing investigation of the desire to indulge in vice without consequence. "
— Maria, 5/16/2011" Even without the suspense as to the outcome, the book was an entertaining read. And, it's a classic! I have seen the play before and next time I'll have the full story in mind to make it richer. "
— Anne, 5/16/2011" Loved it. It drew me in from the first page and I couldn't put it down. "
— Daisyjess, 5/15/2011" Loved it. It drew me in from the first page and I couldn't put it down. "
— Daisyjess, 5/15/2011" Loved it. It drew me in from the first page and I couldn't put it down. "
— Daisyjess, 5/15/2011" I loved this book!! It was brilliantly thought through and had a good meaning in the end . It made me cry!! :') "
— Sarah, 5/10/2011" I loved this book!! It was brilliantly thought through and had a good meaning in the end . It made me cry!! :') "
— Sarah, 5/10/2011" I loved this book!! It was brilliantly thought through and had a good meaning in the end . It made me cry!! :') "
— Sarah, 5/10/2011" Audio Book. Like all books that have become horror classics, the original is not scary or horrible. It is a much different story than Hollywood has made it. "
— Jake, 5/6/2011" The sotry is nothing like pop culture portrays. The monster is a small man, not a huge giant. I read it for the cultural experience. I wouldn't read it again. "
— Alan, 5/6/2011" Audio Book. Like all books that have become horror classics, the original is not scary or horrible. It is a much different story than Hollywood has made it. "
— Jake, 5/6/2011" The sotry is nothing like pop culture portrays. The monster is a small man, not a huge giant. I read it for the cultural experience. I wouldn't read it again. "
— Alan, 5/6/2011" Audio Book. Like all books that have become horror classics, the original is not scary or horrible. It is a much different story than Hollywood has made it. "
— Jake, 5/6/2011" The sotry is nothing like pop culture portrays. The monster is a small man, not a huge giant. I read it for the cultural experience. I wouldn't read it again. "
— Alan, 5/6/2011" LOOOOOVEEDD it ;) like nothing I've ever read before! It was spectacular! lol "
— Maddy, 5/2/2011" LOOOOOVEEDD it ;) like nothing I've ever read before! It was spectacular! lol "
— Maddy, 5/2/2011" LOOOOOVEEDD it ;) like nothing I've ever read before! It was spectacular! lol "
— Maddy, 5/2/2011" a great classic in psychology, murder, & suspense. "
— Dad, 4/29/2011" a great classic in psychology, murder, & suspense. "
— Dad, 4/29/2011" a great classic in psychology, murder, & suspense. "
— Dad, 4/29/2011Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894) was born in Scotland. He studied engineering and law at the University of Edinburgh and then began writing while traveling in France. The publication of Treasure Island in 1883 brought him fame and entered him on a course of romantic fiction beloved by young and old alike.
Martin Jarvis, OBE, has recorded more than 150 Just William stories for the BBC. These have become international audio bestsellers. He won the Theatre World Award for his starring role on Broadway in By Jeeves; his West End appearances include works by Ayckbourn, Frayn, Pinter, and Wilde. Screen successes include everything from Stargate Atlantis, Doctor Who, and Numb3rs to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and the Oscar-winning Titanic.