The Woman in WhiteThe Woman in White (1859-60) is the first and greatest `Sensation Novel'. Walter Hartright's mysterious midnight encounter with the woman in white draws him into a vortex of crime, poison, kidnapping, and international intrigue. The novel is dominated by two of the finest creations in all Victorian fiction - Marion Halcombe, dark, mannish, yet irresistibly fascinating, and Count Fosco, the sinister and flamboyant `Napoleon of Crime'. A masterwork of intricate construction, The Woman in White sets new standards of suspense and excitement, and achieved sales which topped even those of Dickens, Collins's friend and mentor. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more. |
Contents
The 1860 Preface | 644 |
The Composition Publication and Reception of The Woman in White | 647 |
Original Sources for The Woman in White | 659 |
The Chronology of The Woman in White | 662 |
Explanatory Notes | 669 |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
afraid Anne Catherick answer asked Asylum Blackwater Park boat-house Clements Collins's Count Fosco Cumberland Dawson dear death Dickens door doubt eyes face Fairlie's feel felt gentleman Gilmore Halcombe's hand happened hear heard heart husband inquiries interest knew Knowlesbury Kyrle Lady Glyde Laura leave letter Limmeridge House lips living London looked Madame Fosco manner Marian marriage married mind Miss Fairlie Miss Halcombe morning mother narrative neighbourhood never night novel Olympic Theatre once opened passed person Pesca poor present question quiet remember replied round Rubelle secret servant side Sir Percival Glyde Sir Percival's sister speak spoke St John's Wood stopped story strange stranger sure talk tell thought told took turned Vesey vestry voice volume form wait walked wife Wilkie Collins window Woman in White words write