The Mystery of Edwin Drood&Other Stories

With an Introduction and Notes by Peter Preston,University of Nottingham.
Dickens' final novel, left unfinished at his death in 1870, is a mystery story much influenced by the 'Sensation Novel' as written by his friend Wilkie Collins. The action takes place in an ancient cathedral city and in some of the darkest places in Victorian London. Drugs, disappearances, sexual obsession, disguise and a possible murder are among the themes and motifs. A sombre and menacing atmosphere, a fascinating range of characters and Dickens' usual command of language combine to make this an exciting and tantalising story.
Also included in this volume are a number of unjustly neglected stories and sketches, with subjects as different as murder and guilt and childhood romance.

Book Description
The Wordsworth Classics covers a huge list of beloved works of literature in English and translations. This growing series is rigorously updated, with scholarly introductions and notes added to new titles.

Drugs, sexual obsession and a possible murder are the themes of "The Mystery of Edwin Drood". Also contained in this collection are lesser-known stories and sketches that deal with subjects as diverse as murder, guilt and childhood.

From AudioFile
[Editor's Note--The following is a combined review with DAVID COPPERFIELD, GHOST STORIES, GREAT EXPECTATIONS, HARD TIMES, MARTIN CHUZZLEWIT, NICHOLAS NICKLEBY, OLIVER TWIST, OUR MUTUAL FRIEND, THE PICKWICK PAPERS, and A TALE OF TWO CITIES.]--New Millennium presents the distinguished Academy Award winner Paul Scofield interpreting abridgments of the novels and stories of Charles Dickens. These are excellent readings, sonorous and compelling. However, they lack the verve and character of the old Victorian qualities that have been so wonderfully captured on cassette by Martin Jarvis and Miriam Margolyes, among others. And while few authors benefit more from pruning than the paid-by-the-word Dickens, some of these cuttings are far too drastic. In addition, hurried post-production is evident in numerous audible edits, frequent mouth noises, and occasional overlapping of announcer and narrator. Y.R.

About Author
Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was born in Portsmouth, England, and grew up in poverty, one of eight children. He became the preeminent writer of Victorian England, with most of his novels appearing in serial form before being published as books.

Book Dimension :
length: (cm)19.8 　　　 　　　　　 　　　　　 width:(cm)12.6

THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD
1 The Dawn
2 Dean and a Chapter Also
3 The Nun"s House
4 Mr Sapsea
5 Mr Durdles and Friend
6 Philanthropy in Minor Canon Corner
7 More Confidences than One
8 Daggers Drawn
9 Birds in the Bush
10 Smoothing the Way
11 A Picture and a Ring
12 A Night with Durdles
13 Both at Their Best
14 When Shall These Three Meet Again?
15 Impeached
16 Devoted
17 Philanthropy, Professional and Unprofessional
18 A Settler in Cloisterham
19 Shadow on the Sundial
20 A Flight
21 A Recognition
22 A Gritty State of Things Comes On
23 The Dawn Again
MASTER HUMPHREY"S CLOCK
1 Master Humpbrey,form his Closckide in the Cbimney-Cornery
2 Master Humpbrey,from bhis Clockde in the Cbinney-corner
3 Master Humpbrey's Vistor
4 The Clock
5 Mr Weller's Watch
6 Master Humpbrey from his Clockside in the Chimney-Cornery
HUNTED DOWN
HOLIDAY ROMANCE
GEORGE SILVERMAN"S EXPLANATION