Basil

Basil (1852) is a novel by Wilkie Collins that follows a young heir who questions the expectations of wealth and social standing. He falls in love with a mysterious beauty, Margaret Sherwin, and arranges to marry her on one condition: they must live separately until she reaches the age of eighteen. The story explores jealousy, violence, and shocking revelations, critiquing the institution of marriage and the false morality of the British aristocracy. This edition of Basil is a classic work of English literature reimagined for modern readers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 290 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: West Margin Press

Basil, a novel by Wilkie Collins, was written in the aftermath of his successful debut, Antonina (1850). This work showcases Collins' mastery of mystery and psychological unease, which would later make him a renowned household name worldwide. Recognized as an important Victorian novelist and pioneer of detective fiction, Collins possessed a gift for thoughtful entertainment, creating stories that resonated with a popular audience and continue to be studied and appreciated by scholars and readers today.

The story revolves around Basil, a young heir born with immense fortune and social expectations. As he reaches adulthood, Basil begins to question the societal norms associated with wealth and social status. Under the pressure of his father to marry a respectable woman, he finds himself drawn to a mysterious beauty named Margaret Sherwin, the daughter of a draper. Basil secretly arranges a marriage with Margaret on the condition that they live separately until she reaches the age of eighteen.

As Basil eagerly awaits the day of their union, he reconnects with an acquaintance named Mannion, who has recently returned from abroad. As the story unfolds, Basil's fortunate destiny gives way to jealousy, violence, and a series of shocking revelations. Beyond its sensational plot, Basil is a novel that effectively critiques the institution of marriage and the false morality of the British aristocracy.

This edition of Wilkie Collins' Basil features a beautifully designed cover and a professionally typeset manuscript, making it a classic work of English literature reimagined for modern readers.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513135823