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Basil (Oxford World's Classics)
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Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
Author: Wilkie Collins
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Average Customer Rating:
Our Price: $11.96
You Save: $ 2.99 ( 20% )
Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
Author: Wilkie Collins
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Average Customer Rating:
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Basil (Oxford World's Classics) Description
Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 823.8
EAN: 9780192835482
ISBN: 0192835483
Label: Oxford University Press, USA
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
Number Of Items: 1
Book Pages: 400
Publication Date: 2000-03-30
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Studio: Oxford University Press, USA
Dewey Decimal Number: 823.8
EAN: 9780192835482
ISBN: 0192835483
Label: Oxford University Press, USA
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
Number Of Items: 1
Book Pages: 400
Publication Date: 2000-03-30
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Studio: Oxford University Press, USA
Editorial Review of Basil (Oxford World's Classics)
In Basil's secret and unconsummated marriage to the linen-draper's sexually precocious daughter, and the shocking betrayal, insanity, and death that follow, Collins reveals the bustling, commercial London of the nineteenth century wreaking its vengeance on a still powerful aristocratic world. Contemporary reviewers vehemently disapproved of this explicit treatment of adultery; and even today the passionate and lurid atmosphere he creates still has the power to disturb the reader.
Customer Reviews of Basil (Oxford World's Classics)
Customer Rating:
Review Summary: Basil review
Review: I have read quite a few books by Wilkie Collins, and while this one wasn't the best, it was still great. It was written in a different style from his other books, but pulls you right into the story and keeps your interest throughout. Definitely recommended to anyone who is a fan of this genre.
Customer Rating:
Review Summary: Love is color blind
Review: Basil is a naive sap that any woman wish would fall for her! He completely falls in love with a woman who is only interested in his money but of course, he is blind to that....sounds like a silly romance novel, which I loathe, BUT because it was written in the 1800's, there are descriptive characters, fabulous use of the English language. Collins makes me love mysteries and romance, neither of which type book I read if written in "today's" time. Love every single book of his that I have read, six so far and counting.....
Customer Rating:
Review Summary: perhaps the best of Collins's earlier works..
Review: Wilkie Collins came to fame with 'The Woman in White', followed by a succession of 'suspense' novels which are his trademark. 'Basil' is an earlier yet surprisingly mature work, and it is not a suspense novel. 'Basil' chronicles the life of a young, foolish man who falls in love (literally) at first sight with a young woman. He then discovers, too late, that this 'sweet young thing' is not as she first appeared. The author captures Basil's anguish perfectly. While some people might find the entire story to be a bit contrived, I found the emotional element of writing to greatly outweigh this 'love at first' kitsch.
Customer Rating:
Review Summary: Basil's Betrayal
Review: After reading The Woman in White, A Rogue's Life, and attemting The Moonstone, I picked up Basil. Basil's story was more absorbing than any of the other books and my sympathies were entirely with him. I felt his betrayal and utter dejection. If only I could have been his friend!
Customer Rating:
Review Summary: If you saw the movie, think twice before buying the book.
Review: I recently saw the movie "Basil" with Christian Slator and thought it was quite a compelling story and the book must be great. What a shock. It turns out that the movie is, at best, only "inspired" by the book. If you see the movie first it will ruin this book, as there is very little other than the names of characters that are the same. Otherwise, the book is a fairly interesting story of how lust can really complicate your life when you are young and stupid, set in Victorian England.
Review Summary: Basil review
Review: I have read quite a few books by Wilkie Collins, and while this one wasn't the best, it was still great. It was written in a different style from his other books, but pulls you right into the story and keeps your interest throughout. Definitely recommended to anyone who is a fan of this genre.
Customer Rating:
Review Summary: Love is color blind
Review: Basil is a naive sap that any woman wish would fall for her! He completely falls in love with a woman who is only interested in his money but of course, he is blind to that....sounds like a silly romance novel, which I loathe, BUT because it was written in the 1800's, there are descriptive characters, fabulous use of the English language. Collins makes me love mysteries and romance, neither of which type book I read if written in "today's" time. Love every single book of his that I have read, six so far and counting.....
Customer Rating:
Review Summary: perhaps the best of Collins's earlier works..
Review: Wilkie Collins came to fame with 'The Woman in White', followed by a succession of 'suspense' novels which are his trademark. 'Basil' is an earlier yet surprisingly mature work, and it is not a suspense novel. 'Basil' chronicles the life of a young, foolish man who falls in love (literally) at first sight with a young woman. He then discovers, too late, that this 'sweet young thing' is not as she first appeared. The author captures Basil's anguish perfectly. While some people might find the entire story to be a bit contrived, I found the emotional element of writing to greatly outweigh this 'love at first' kitsch.
So in conclusion, 'Basil' should have a wider appeal beyond the Wilkie Collins fan club. Folks who love mid-Victorian writing will find much to enjoy with 'Basil'.
Customer Rating:
Review Summary: Basil's Betrayal
Review: After reading The Woman in White, A Rogue's Life, and attemting The Moonstone, I picked up Basil. Basil's story was more absorbing than any of the other books and my sympathies were entirely with him. I felt his betrayal and utter dejection. If only I could have been his friend!
Customer Rating:
Review Summary: If you saw the movie, think twice before buying the book.
Review: I recently saw the movie "Basil" with Christian Slator and thought it was quite a compelling story and the book must be great. What a shock. It turns out that the movie is, at best, only "inspired" by the book. If you see the movie first it will ruin this book, as there is very little other than the names of characters that are the same. Otherwise, the book is a fairly interesting story of how lust can really complicate your life when you are young and stupid, set in Victorian England.