The Beetle

The Beetle (1897) is a novel by Richard Marsh that was an instant bestseller and inspired a 1919 silent film adaptation. It was largely forgotten until the late-20th century when scholarly attention highlighted its importance to gothic fiction, postcolonial criticism, and women and gender studies. Down on his luck, Robert Holt wanders the streets of London in search of food, a job, and shelter and finds himself face to face with the mysterious Beetle, a figure from ancient Egypt who controls his subjects with mesmerism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 306 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: West Margin Press

The Beetle (1897) is a novel by Richard Marsh that achieved immense popularity upon its publication. It became an instant bestseller and later inspired a silent film adaptation in 1919, featuring Maudie Dunham in the lead role. Despite its initial success, the novel largely faded from public memory until scholarly attention in the late-20th century brought it back into focus.

The novel's significance lies in its exploration of gothic fiction, postcolonial criticism, and women and gender studies. It delves into the struggles of a homeless man named Robert Holt, who finds himself in a desperate situation as he searches for food, a job, and shelter in the streets of London.

One day, Holt encounters the mysterious Beetle, a figure from ancient Egypt who possesses the power of mesmerism. The Beetle uses this power to control his subjects, including Robert, and leads him to commit a series of crimes against Paul Lessingham, a powerful member of the House of Commons.

As the plot unfolds, a love triangle involving Lessingham, the beautiful Marjorie Lindon, and a vindictive chemist named Sydney Atherton becomes entangled with the scheming Beetle. The novel's themes of power, manipulation, and the consequences of one's actions are intricately woven, creating a suspenseful and chilling narrative.

This edition of Richard Marsh's The Beetle is a classic work of British horror fiction that has been reimagined for modern readers. The book features a beautifully designed cover and a professionally typeset manuscript, preserving the original text while enhancing its accessibility and appeal to contemporary audiences.

Through its exploration of gothic, postcolonial, and gender themes, The Beetle remains a relevant and powerful work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today. Its enduring popularity serves as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the ability of literature to shed light on the human condition.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513135106