Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Robert Louis Stevenson wrote Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde in 1886, a period marked by his intense interest in the duality of human nature and the societal pressures of Victorian London. Often cited as a product of a feverish three-day writing period, the story was intended as a psychological thriller that explored the burgeoning concerns regarding moral degeneration and scientific overreach, themes which resonated deeply with a public fascinated by gothic tropes.

The book’s design and initial distribution were characterized by its modest release as a 'shilling shocker' paper-bound edition. Although Stevenson’s publisher, Longmans, Green & Co., initially worried about the book's unconventional length, the title gained sudden popularity due to a favorable review in The Times, which helped transform the novella from an obscure experimental work into a foundational classic of modern psychological literature.