In Search of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

by Radu R. Florescu, Raymond T. McNally

Journeying behind Robert Louis Stevenson's terrifying tale of horror, THe Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the authors of In Search of Dracula explore the life and times of William Deacon Brodie, the real-life murderer who inspired the story, and Stevenson's fascination with Brodie's double life and the eighteenth-century Edinburgh that spawned him. 20,000 first printing.

Genres: History, True Crime, Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Radu Florescu was a Romanian academic who held the position of Emeritus Professor of History at Boston College. His work on Vlad Dracula includes a series of bestselling books that he co-authored with his colleague Raymond T. McNally. Along with serving as Director of the East European Research Center at Boston College, Florescu was also a philanthropist and an adviser to Edward Kennedy on Balkan and Eastern European affairs.

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was tremendously fun and is right in line with the other 'In Search of' books.

McNally and Florescu are great researchers. While I don't agree with all of their interpretations (they make a few judgement calls on Robert Louis Stevenson that I think are impossible to really know), I always learn a lot.

If you are into the real origins behind classic horror, the In Search of books are great.

[Ryan Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

More insightful research on a gothic horror classic from my favourite duo of American professors. It's too bad they didn't get to do a fourth entry and cover The Phantom of the Opera.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Much as I wanted to like this there were things in it that as a native of Edinburgh I found annoying.

The heart in the cobblestones by St Giles is not called the Heart Of Edinburgh it is the Heart Of Midlothian, the river that runs through the city is not the river Leith but the Water of Leith. As for describing Prince's Street as chic all I can say is that it is clearly a long time say they've been along it.
' a typical Scot would never be seen drunk wandering through the streets of Edinburgh for fear of being consigned to eternal damnation imposed by his Calvanist creed.' really, clearly the authors have never been out and about in Edinburgh at the weekend.