The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde / Markheim

Written by Robert Louis Stevenson

Narrated by Roy McMillan

In a fog-wreathed London, the respected Dr. Jekyll’s experiments on the dual nature of man unleash a brute that feels no moral restraint or remorse.

Although excited by this freedom, Jekyll discovers that he is unable to control the power of his vicious alter ego - and is faced with shameful discovery or ignominious death. Haunting and thrilling, this atmospheric fable is one of the world’s greatest short stories.

It is twinned here with Markheim, an earlier tale of second selves, conscience and the struggle between good and evil.

Public Domain (P)2011 Naxos Audiobooks

• Language: English
• Publisher: Naxos Audiobooks
• Release date: Sep 1, 2011
• ISBN: 9781843794462

Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) was a Scottish poet, novelist, and travel writer. Born the son of a lighthouse engineer, Stevenson suffered from a lifelong lung ailment that forced him to travel constantly in search of warmer climates. Rather than follow his father’s footsteps, Stevenson pursued a love of literature and adventure that would inspire such works as Treasure Island (1883), Kidnapped (1886), Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1886), and Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes (1879).

Reviews for The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde / Markheim

[leslie398 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I thought that I would give this classic another try via audiobook but my overall impression remains that this is one case where the movie is better (specifically the 1941 version with Spencer Tracy).

[jaygheiser · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great story. I was very surprised that the chronology was reversed. It starts at the end and works its way forward, a device that none of the knock-off versions of this tale use. A master story teller.

[dmu-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I liked this book a lot. It's a short book but it still has lots of mystery and exciting parts within it. It's about a man named Mr. Utterson who tries to learn about the mysterious Mr. Hyde who is Dr. Jekyll's evil side.In the book, the setting is based in England. Dr. Jekyll finds a way to make a compound that allows him to transform into a separate personality, Mr. Hyde. Mr. Hyde is a younger and pure evil being. I personally like Mr. Hyde's name a lot. His name sounds like the word "hide" and Mr. Hyde's personality reflects his name. He tries to be discreet and tries to not talk to anyone unless he has to. Throughout the book, Mr. Utterson tries to learn about this mysterious Mr. Hyde. Almost nobody knows about him. Finally, after many mysterious encounters with Dr. Jekyll and one murder, he learns who Mr. Hyde truly is when he reads a letter that was left for him. I also liked this book a lot because the story isn't just told from the point of view of one person. It's mainly told from the point of view from one person, but it's also told from the point of view of two other people.This book is very good! It makes you feel multiple emotions as you read it. It makes you excited, scared, surprised, and curious. I would recommend it to many people.

[gonzalo8046 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Nice short read. Even though you know the ending ten pages in, I still enjoyed it.

[miss7owl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really quite enjoyed the brooding gloom and moral concerns of this story - encapsulating what I think of as the best of the gothic: emotional excess accompanied by the most stringent moral societal norms. In a way, it's a pity that the story is so well known... there's no mystery any more about this strange degenerate Hyde, and why he holds the virtuous citizen Dr Jekyll in his blackmailing thrall!There were quite a few parallels with Frankenstein, which I was just teaching not that long ago, but it was interesting to contrast Jekyll's motivations for his scientific endeavours, with Frankenstein's. But I realise it would be a spoiler to say any more, so my recommendation: read them both for yourself!

[swampygirl-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A very intriguing story, if perhaps a bit open-ended. I had been meaning to read this book for some time, but only finally got around to it after reading A League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

[shahnareads · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

One of those 'classics' on everyones to be read lists.
It's alright.

[cillasi_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book about the baser side of human nature and how easy it is for it to overpower your life if you allow it.

[lydia1879 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I read this using my Serial reader app and I was really happy with it!

I knew it was a classic, and, much like classics, it was a book that I'd always meant to read, or intended to read but never actually read.

I loved the atmosphere that Stevenson created. His somehow empty, foggy, cacophonous London was brought to life. I didn't find the language too hard or difficult to follow at all, which surprised me. I liked the tension for the majority of the novel -- Stevenson crafted tension through letters, confessionals and those late-night walks around London where all sorts of horrors happen.

I didn't care too much for the characters, but I definitely admired the author's writing, his language and how accessible the book is after all this time.

Even though I knew the ending, I still found it readable and hope you do too. c:

[flying_monkeys_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Rating: 5 of 5What can be said about a classic such as The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde? A story so well-known, one that has permeated our culture so completely (perhaps rivaled only by Frankenstein and Dracula), most everyone knows the gist without ever having read the novella or watched a film adaption. I daresay, little, if anything new, or at the very least, "fresh." Thus I will stick to my personal reaction in this review.From a writer's perspective, I applaud (and appreciate) the structure and narrative style. Stevenson built upon (and relied on) the reader's natural curiosity and desire to solve the mystery of Mr. Hyde, to know what was "really" happening, which probably made this quite the sensational page-turner during its initial publication in 1886. I read the story much slower than I do with most modern fiction; there's much to savor and digest for those patient enough to nibble. One of the story's less subtle themes - repression of one's curiosity and not asking questions that "shouldn't" be asked - was ingenious, wasn't it? Given the tools Stevenson utilized to engage readers. OH! And the descriptions throughout the story often knocked me for a loop they were so ... distinct; Stevenson knew exactly what images he wanted to conjure up in readers' minds.I will definitely give this one a re-read whenever I want a refresher in (1) allegory and (2) the characterization and theme of duality and hypocrisy.Disclaimer: If you are bored or confused by complex sentences, extended paragraphs, and/or Victorian Era prose, then The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde probably won't float your boat.

[margaretfield · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

might be the best crafted short story I've ever read

[mesmericrevelation · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I could not put this book down. I love it and I can't believe it took me this long to read it. I will definitely be re-reading this one next month and every October from now on.It is such an incredible story. Like me, you may know it from movies but, as always, the book is so much better. I cannot say enough good stuff about this it.Since it is so good and such a fast read, I will be making everyone I know read this. If you haven't read it yet, go read it right now. You wont regret it. Seriously, go! Right now!

[aylin1-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A heck of a lot more philosophical than the Bugs Bunny rendition with which I was familiar.

[davis22-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A classic always worthy of a revisiting in the classroom! Not just a "monster tale" but a very relevant look at deep seated philosophical problems of identity and accountability. Also continues to remain relevant on the topics of ethics, or morality and the role science does or does not play in the midst of such concerns. Is modern life becoming too fast paced? That first and foremost depends on your definition of living, really.

[alexmdac · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Although I already knew what happens in this tale, I found it a gripping read and the climax very effective. I enjoyed the quaint Victorian language and moral values.The weather updates to be found throughout the narrative feature colourful metaphors and similes that I hadn't seen before. This book would be useful reading for anyone who would like to make conversation with people as obsessed with climatic conditions as Robert Louis Stevenson clearly was. It'd be a good book for a flight to the UK.

[cheryl_in_cc_nv · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I recall being frustrated that I knew the plot before the author wanted me to - so it wasn't thrilling. It was also old-fashioned writing and difficult for me. I def. need to try it again someday....

[kinsey_m · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I do like to read classic gothic terror and I was sadly disapointed on this one, for two reasons:1.- The fact that Dr Jeckyll and Mr Hyde are the same person is meant to be a surprise and the main attraction of the book. This surprise (through no fault of the author) has been absolutely lost. Still, you could get over that if it wasn't for fault number 2.2.- It just hasn't aged well. Evil = Ugliness, does anyone believe that anymore? You could argue the same thing for the portrait of Dorian Gray, but there, it is clear that it is the ugliness of the soul, not physical ugliness, that is being pointed out. It just seems like a childish concept.

[collinmaessen · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A story that almost everyone in the western world knows of, and subsequently you do know a lot about what happens in this little book.This does detract somewhat from the enjoyment of reading this book. However it is a fun book to read and to see the origins of the story that's so ingrained in our culture. And it is an interesting look at how darkness is a part of everyone and what could go wrong if we try to rid ourselves of that part of our personality.

[ariebonn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

First off I would like to mention that this was my first reread ever! I first read The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde quite a few years ago, but I totally forgot the ending and that bothered me. I reread this back in October for the 24 hour read-a-thon but I just now got to putting my review together. There is not much I can say about this book which you don't already know, so I will keep the summary short.Dr Jekyll has been successful in making a potion which allows him to alter his appearance, and thus Mr Hyde is born. When Dr Jekyll drinks the potion, his personality is changed completely and he can let out his evil side in the name of Mr Hyde, someone that nobody knows. Everything was fine as long as he could go back to being Dr Jekyll at his demand, but things turn sour when the evil side starts to take over, until one day he can no longer transform himself back to Dr Jekyll.Since today the story of Dr Jekyll and My Hyde is known all too well, it is hard to be shocked by the horror of the story and you probably won't be surprised by the ending. Compared to what we know as horror fiction today, this does not even come close, it is too short to portray the true evilness of the villain and it is not graphic at all. However thinking about the concept of the plot, I can't help but think how horrifying it still is, and that after reading it a second time. When I read this book I was surprised considering the time when it was written, it was the same reaction I had when I read Dracula by Bram Stoker.This is the classic good versus evil, the other side of the human being.If you have never read this book because you know the story from the various adaptations that were made of it, I suggest you pick this one up and read the true classic. It is short and won't take up much of your time, I say it's worth it. I think this holds true for most classics, we know the basics of the plot because we've heard so much about them, and there are countless adaptations for them, but when I finally get to reading them I always feel that there is nothing like reading the original story!

[roboschro · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

"There comes an end to all things; the most capacious measure is filled at last; and this brief condescension to my evil finally destroyed the balance of my soul."It may be difficult for a reader to forget what is half-known about these famous characters, and approach this story afresh. But it's worth doing -- it's a tidy little story, and the title characters embody an intriguing attack on the nature of Victorian morality.

[librarycin · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

People have been wondering where Dr. Jekyll has been disappearing to and why the horrible Mr. Hyde seems to be such a good “friend” to Jekyll. This was ok. It might have been better if I didn't know what was going on, just for having heard what the story's about. But then, maybe not. It just wasn't really holding my interest. At least it was short and quick to read.

[fundevogel · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The story has a good premise but it isn't really realized, possibly due to the irregular format. The book doesn't read like a typical novel. Instead it is broken into several small, greatly overlapping parts each narrating the course of events as they were percieved by a character. The first section is told by the lawyer Utterson, who suspects his friend the doctor is being blackmailed by Mr. Hyde, then the reader is presented with the account of Dr. Lawson to whom Mr. Hyde's identity is revealed near the end of the events of the story and finally you get the story according to Dr. Jekyll. Mr. Hyde is of course uninterested in recording his experiences.The problem is that though the idea of building a complete narrative from various points of view is a good one in this case its done rather sloppily. The accounts are more repetitive than complementary and it isn't until the last one that the idea of the duality of man is introduced in a last minute hamfisted sort of way. It reminds me of the last chapter of Brave New World where Huxley decided to spell out what his book was all about as if it wasn't already obvious to the most disinterested of readers. The only difference is Huxley didn't need that chapter to explain his intent, where as the ideas Stevenson invoked weren't at all hinted at in the rest of his book. I've heard this book was written very quickly and surmise that it's parts are akin to the scraps of writing a writer produces in the early stages of writing to flesh out their thoughts and possibly rework to actually use in the story. But Stevenson never got any further in developing his novel he just strung together the bits of writing he whipped out and called it a novella. It a real shame since it's a good story and even with the horribly bad structure and organization you can tell that Stevenson knew how to put words on the page, even if he didn't bothered to put his words to unified purpose. The edition I read also included the short stories "The Body Snatcher", "Markheim" and "The Bottle Imp". These also had a tendency to ramble on longer than necessary. Perhaps he was paid by the inch? However they were better told and were fairly sophisticated horror stories with interesting premises. Markheim in particular is the sort of story that would be an interesting piece to analyze for a literature class. It touches on similar themes to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde but is exponentially better at communicating them.

[cyderry · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Each year I try to read a few CLASSICS just so that I can mark them off my list. I usually don't care for the stories or writing and have a hard time making it through the book, however, this one surprised me. The story was different than what I had imagined.Dr. Jekyll is the good guy and he has worked on a formula which will separate his baser nature from his kind and good attributes. Unfortunately, he loses control of Mr. Hyde (the bad guy) and must surrender his life to protect others.

[ohernaes · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The classic story of the good, but boring Dr Jekyll who transforms himself into the vital and evil Mr Hyde. Jekyll comes to loath him, but has become addicted.

[greymowser · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I remember reading this in school, vaguely. I found the book to be a little annoying trying to figure out the writer's meanings to old English words. Were the first time I read it, it was just a horror story, this time I realize there were psychological and possible homosexual connotations. A lot of hidden meanings in the writing. Way different read from my first dip into the pages.

[sturlington_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Along with FRANKENSTEIN and DRACULA, this short novel makes up the holy triumvirate of early horror. It asks the question: What is the nature of man's soul? The answer is that we all have a dark side, a side without a conscience, that lives only for its own pleasure without regard for anyone else. This is the Mr. Hyde that emerges when Jekyll drinks his magic potion, and he repulses everyone he meets. As Jekyll discovers, if we give free reign to the Hyde imprisoned within us, he grows stronger and asserts himself more and more, until he threatens to take over entirely. Despite being afflicted by the usual Victorian floridness of language (some skimming required), DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE is a highly readable, if rather circuitous, story. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the evolution of the horror genre.

[marthaearly · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

So short, but so powerful. This is one of those stories where you think you know how it goes, but upon reading you find that it has been re-interpreted for so many years in so many forms that it feels completely different. Well, not completely. But still, the decades of alterations made this novella feel fresh and rich. I would have liked it to be longer, since I was so drawn in by the world of dark clouds and sinister encounters, and the novella ends on an abrupt note. However, it was pleasingly eerie and direct while it lasted.

[sjmccreary · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The famous and classic story about a doctor who has discovered the way to divide the good and evil natures of himself into two different persons.My first surprise was how short this story is. My second was that we never actually meet Dr Jekyll or Mr Hyde, except in passing. My third was that I have no greater understanding of how to interpret the book now than I did before, and perhaps even less. I'm glad I've read it at last. It is, as I said, short. The language, while stilted, isn't that difficult. It is thought provoking - the whole issue of the natures of good and evil and which is dominate in man - but maybe not as provocative now as it was when first published in 1886. I think its greatest value now is as a cultural icon, rather than a great story. But that is still terribly important.

[pegmcdaniel · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

After reading an Advanced Reading Copy of Nancy Horan's new book, The Wide and Starry Sky, which is about the life of Robert Louis Stevenson and his wife, I decided I just had to re-read The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It has been many, many years since I'd read it.I am so glad I read this classic novel. So many reviews have been written about it and it has gotten 1 Star up through 5 Stars. I give this short novel 4 Stars. I believe Mr. Stevenson want us to realize that there is some evil in all of us and this novel is certainly convincing. It was a fast read for me even though the story unfolds rather slowly.Some adjectives I will use to describe this novel are gothic, mysterious, horrific, and creepy. There are many more I could use but you get the idea!!I hope to read more of Stevenson's writings. He truly was a Master.

[natarsha_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It was great to finally read the original story and it certainly lived up to the hype. I found the book on a free books website (originally sourced from Project Gutenberg and reformatted for the Kindle). The story is fast paced and mysterious and well written. I enjoyed using the dictionary on my Kindle for this read as there were many words that are not commonly used today. The psychological aspects of the book regarding the different 'selves' - both good and bad - were both entertaining and frightening.