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Wilkie Collins (1824-1889) was an English sensation novelist, a name given to writers who specialized in writing about crime, mystery and social issues. As such he was one of the forerunners of Crime and Mystery fiction. In 1851 he began an association with Charles Dickens. Their admiration was mutual and they influenced each other. Under Dickens’ influence, Collins developed a talent for characterization, humor, and popular success. While Dickens’ debt is evident in the more skillful and suspenseful plot structures of “A Tale of Two Cities” and “Great Expectations.” Despite his prolific output, he was almost forgotten and is generally known today as the writer of “A Woman in White” and “The Moonstone.” The Woman in White today continues to be voted and rated among the greatest novels ever published. Lauded for its innovative and compelling plot and usage of multiple characters, it is one of the earliest examples of detective fiction. Book: “The Woman in White” by Wilkie Collins. Pantianos Classics edition ISBN-13: 978-153705457. $12.24 new paperback (also avail. used). |
