Little Novels

Wilkie Collins' 'Little Novels' is an exquisite compilation of narratives that underscore the nuanced tapestry of human experience through the masterful use of suspense and psychological depth. A forerunner of detective and mystery genres, Collins' prose effervesces with Victorian anxieties and the complexities of social mores. Amidst this literary context, 'Little Novels' shines with Collins' signature intrigue and insight into the human psyche, offering readers a unique window into the borne intricacies of the late 19th century. These stories, though lesser-known than his famous 'The Woman in White' or 'The Moonstone,' demonstrate his dexterity in capturing the intricacies of his time in a concise format, while retaining the richness of his more extended works.
Wilkie Collins, a contemporary of Charles Dickens, was an innovative storyteller who often explored the societal pressures of his era. His experience in law and profound empathy for the downtrodden equipped him with the acumen to construct realistic scenarios that highlight moral dilemmas and injustices. Guided by a predilection for the sensational and an avant-garde approach to narrative structure, Collins' creation of 'Little Novels' was undoubtedly influenced by his astute observation of Victorian England's complexities and his own personal struggles with gout and opium addiction, which bestowed upon him a profound understanding of human suffering and resilience.
Recommended for both aficionados and first-time readers of Collins' work, 'Little Novels' offers an enticing slice of the author's storytelling prowess. Scholars and enthusiasts of Victorian literature will appreciate the articulate presentation by DigiCat Publishing, which ensures that Collins' keen insight into Victorian life and moral ambiguity is preserved and made accessible to contemporary readers. This collection, harmonizing literary finesse with timeless themes, is an essential addition to the library of anyone with an interest in the evolution of the novel and the perennial complexities of the human condition.

Wilkie Collins, born William Wilkie Collins on January 8, 1824, in London, England, was a prolific writer and a leading figure in Victorian literature. Regarded as one of the pioneers of detective fiction, Collins delighted readers with his masterful blend of suspense, legal drama, and romance. His writing career was marked by a close friendship with Charles Dickens, with whom he collaboratively penned several works and contributed to Dickens's periodicals. Collins's literary style adeptly combined Gothic horror with realistic narratives, exploring the complexities of Victorian society, including its domestic issues and class struggles.

Collins's oeuvre includes numerous novels, short stories, and plays, but he is particularly celebrated for his sensation novels, such as 'The Woman in White' (1860) and 'The Moonstone' (1868), which are considered to be among the forerunners of modern detective stories. His collection 'Little Novels' (1887) comprises a series of shorter tales that echo the same enthralling storytelling found in his larger works. These stories are infused with intrigue and the subtle interplay of human relationships against a backdrop of societal constraints. Collins suffered from gout for much of his life, which led to an addiction to opium, an experience that also informed his writing. He passed away on September 23, 1889, in London, but his pioneering contributions to the genres of suspense and mystery continue to resonate with readers today.