First published in 1886, Edinburgh-born Robert Louis Stevenson's novella was a publishing sensation.  This dark tale, born of a nightmare and produced in white-hot haste, made Stevenson's name as a bestselling author, and the words Jekyll & Hyde have entered the public consciousness, to describe split personalities.

The Story

John Utterson, a respectable London lawyer, is drawn into a gruesome tale as he uncovers strange connections between his old friend and brilliant scientist, Dr Henry Jekyll, and the brooding stranger, Edward Hyde.   As he investigates further into Jekyll's mysterious life he uncovers a truly terrifying story of deception, addiction and evil.

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The New Paperback

The new City of Literature Trust edition of the book has been designed with a modern audience in mind, and combines Stevenson's lyrical language with stylish pencil sketches from the new graphic novel.  Edinburgh crime writer and RLS fan Ian Rankin has written the introduction, and we've included book group reading notes.

The Graphic Novel

Following the success of the Kidnapped graphic novel, world famous illustrator Cam Kennedy couldn't wait to get stuck into Jekyll & Hyde.  There will be four editions: the classic tale, a Scots language edition, a Gaelic version and a modern text copy, with simplified language.  All use the same stunning artwork: buy it from www.BooksfromScotland.com.

The First Edition

The first manuscript Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde was thrown into a fire by Stevenson himself, and we will never know exactly what it contained.  Was it set in Edinburgh?  Did it reveal too much of the author's darker desires? 

The second version was "written, rewritten, re-rewritten and printed inside ten weeks," said Stevenson himself, after the story came to him in a dream.  His stepson remembers the night he read the first chapter to a rapt family audience, before flying upstairs to complete the book.

Discuss Jekyll & Hyde Online

Join our message boards on Facebook and Bebo and discuss the book, see photographs and more.  Current Facebook conversations include - set in Edinburgh or London?

Stevenson's Inspiration 

Read about RLS's life, key Edinburgh locations associated with him, or discover more about the setting of Jekyll & Hyde. To see digitised photos of Edinburgh through the ages visit the online Capital Collections exhibition, currently with a special Stevenson feature. 

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