The Woman in White famously opens with Walter Hartright’s eerie encounter on a moonlit London road. Engaged as a drawing master to the beautiful Laura Fairlie, Walter becomes embroiled in the sinister intrigues of Sir Percival Glyde and his ‘charming’ friend Count Fosco, who has a taste for white mice, vanilla bonbons, and poison. Pursuing questions of identity and insanity along the paths and corridors of English country houses and the madhouse, The Woman in White is the first and most influential of the Victorian genre that combined Gothic horror with psychological realism.

Why You Should Read

1. Pioneering Sensation Fiction: The Woman in White is a cornerstone of Victorian ‘sensation’ fiction, a genre that captivated readers with its thrilling plots and complex characters.

2. Rich Psychological Realism: The novel delves into themes of identity and insanity, offering a deep psychological exploration that remains relevant today.

3. Influential Gothic Horror: As a pioneering work in the Gothic horror genre, it set the stage for future writers and continues to influence the genre.

4. Engaging Historical Context: Matthew Sweet’s introduction provides insight into the Victorian era, enhancing your understanding of the novel’s societal influences.

5. Comprehensive Edition: This edition includes appendices on theatrical adaptations and serialisation history, offering a complete reading experience.