The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner"A real work of imagination, ponderated and achieved." — Robert Louis Stevenson The son of a radical Calvinist minister conducts a crime spree that horrifies eighteenth-century Scottish society in this gripping tale of murder, madness, and demonic possession. According to Robert Wringhim, his crimes are attributable to the influence of a sinister companion, Gil-Martin — but it remains to be seen whether Gil-Martin really exists. Published anonymously in 1824, this ahead-of-its-time novel offers a haunting exploration of religious fanaticism and the power of evil. The author, Scottish poet and novelist James Hogg (1770–1835), overcame his lowly birth and lack of education to become one of the most admired writers of his day. Although his writings fell into obscurity after his death, they were rediscovered in the 1940s by André Gide and other critics. The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner is Hogg's best-known and most highly acclaimed work. |
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answered appeared asked began believe better blood body brother called Calvert cause Christian church close clothes coming conversation Dalcastle death door doubt dreaded effect eyes face faith fall father fear felt followed George give hand head hear heard heart heaven hope hour John knew lady laird land late length Logan look Lord manner matter mean meet mind morning mother murder nature never night once party passed perceived person poor pray prayer present principles reason regard relating remain returned round seemed seen short side sinful soon soul spirit stood sure taken tell thee thing thou thought tion took true truth turned utter walked whole wicked woman Wringhim young