844. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Robert Louis Stevenson)

The title page of the first London edition

Synopsis from Amazon:
Robert Louis Stevenson originally wrote Dr. Jekyll And Mr Hyde as a "chilling shocker." He then burned the draft and, upon his wife's advice, rewrote it as the darkly complex tale it is today. Stark, skillfully woven, this fascinating novel explores the curious turnings of human character through the strange case of Dr. Jekyll, a kindly scientist who by night takes on his stunted evil self, Mr. Hyde. Anticipating modern psychology, Jekyll And Hyde is a brilliantly original study of man's dual nature -- as well as an immortal tale of suspense and terror. Published in 1866, Jekyll And Hyde was an instant success and brought Stevenson his first taste of fame. Though sometimes dismissed as a mere mystery story, the book has evoked much literary admirations. Vladimir Nabokov likened it to Madame Bovary and Dead Souls as "a fable that lies nearer to poetry than to ordinary prose fiction."

My rating: 4 stars

2. Treasure Island (Robert Louis Stevenson)

The book is even more fun than the casino (unless you win $100 grand there).

Synopsis from Amazon UK:
Jim Hawkins had no idea, when he picked up the packet from Captain Flint's chest, that here lay the key to untold wealth - a treasure map. When Jim sails on the Hispaniola, with Long John Silver as ship's cook and the rest of the shifty crew, he embarks on the adventure of his life.

My rating: 5 stars

Publication information:

• First published as a book in 1883 by Cassell and Co., London (originally serialized in children's magazine Young Folks between 1881-82 under the title The Sea Cook, or Treasure Island)
• First edition, first issue (according to seller): “Dead Man’s Chest” is not capitalized on pp. 2 and 7; the “7” stamped in the pagination after the page was printed. Octavo. viii, 292 pp. plus 4 pp. advertisements, “dated 5R-1083” (the advertisements incorrectly listing Treasure Island with 304 pages). Frontispiece map of Treasure Island printed in four colors. Original sage green diagonal fine-ribbed cloth with covers ruled in blind and spine ruled and lettered in gilt. Original black coated endpapers.
• First edition (first issue?): 8vo, half-title, frontispiece with map printed in black, maroon, brown and dark blue, 8pp. of publisher's advertisements at rear coded "5R-1283", with all early issue points as follows: "v" of "vain" in last line of p.40 battered; ommission of "a" in line 6 of p.63; number 8 present in the pagination on p.83; lacking number 7 from the pagination on p.127; full stop missing following "opportunity" in line 20 of p.178; and with "worse" for "worst" in line 3 of p.197. Publisher's maroon cloth with original black coated endpapers, cloth boards, spine lettered in gilt.