The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

By: Robert Louis Stevenson

Narrated by: Martin Jarvis

Length: 2 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

This is the disturbing tale of the dual personality of Dr. Jekyll, a physician. A generous and philanthropic man, he is preoccupied with the problems of good and evil, and with the possibility of separating them into distinct personalities. He develops a drug that transforms him into the demonic Mr. Hyde, in whose person he exhausts all the latent evil in his nature. He also creates an antidote that will restore him to his respectable existence as Dr. Jekyll. Gradually, however, the unmitigated evil of his darker self predominates until finally he performs an atrocious murder. His saner self determines to curtail these alternations of personality, but he discovers that he is losing control over his transformations and that he slips with increasing frequency into the world of evil. Finally, unable to procure one of the ingredients for the mixture of redemption, and on the verge of being discovered, he commits suicide.

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, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a brilliantly original study of man's dual nature as well as an immortal tale of suspense and terror.

This tale has lost none of its ability to shock. Its realistic police-style narrative chillingly relates Dr. Jekyll’s desperation as Hyde gains control of his soul - and gives voice to our own fears of the violence and evil within us.

Public Domain (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“The theme of human duality…is nowhere presented with more force and originality….[T]he story reveals Stevenson’s understanding of human nature and his mastery of English prose.” (Masterpieces of World Literature)

wonderful (and short) read

I reread this wonderful classic for Stanford's Another Look Book Club, which concentrates on short(er) often overlooked classics which the English Department and other erudite participants consider worthy. This book is, of course, eminently qualified. The dichotomy between Jekyll and Hyde, the isolation of his childish/selfish... evil nature and the gradual overtaking of his Hyde over Jekyll is a lovely allegory about human nature, one which I believe. But aside from philosophy, human nature and the role of evil in human nature, the book is wonderfully written, tightly plotted and very much worth the re-reading. Added bonus: the book is short so the commitment is not as high as other books.

Amazingly depressing

A man struggling to not be pulled apart by opposing personas he takes on, that's a struggle most of us can relate to

Nothing like the internal struggles of self

The narration was perfect, I was transported back in time. Stevenson was a marvelous storyteller and Jarvis gave a believable performance. It left me feeling a little sad. The letter at the end, the confession I could not stop listening, Jekyll’s confession is what made this a rather sad story.
I’ll probably listen to it again in the future.

The best one yet

This really is the best audiobook version of this story available on Audible. Martin Jarvis does a stellar job. Near the end, hearing Dr Lanyon's letter, I felt like I was in the room with him, receiving the same shock to my system.

The story has an unusual structure, completely unlike any of the film versions. Nowadays everybody knows the big secret, that Jekyll and Hyde are actually the same person; but the first readers didn't know that, and Stevenson peels the onion slowly, with excruciating tension. For the first time, listening to this version, I was able to capture some of that first-time excitement.

Delightful gothic, pitch-perfect narration

Martin Jarvis doesn't just read this novel, he performs it, and is as good in this role as Jeremy Brett was as Sherlock Holmes. Although I've seen, heard, or read countless versions of this classic story, this faithful audio version, coupled with Jarvis' pitch-perfect narration, effectively draws you into the story and maintains suspense right up to the final scenes.

1886 Book is still part of our vocabulary...

I've said it many times, "working with him is like working with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde"... but had never read the classic it comes from to see if I am aptly spouting. It is a short, easy read that I found interesting and was pleased to finally know exactly what I was talking about. A little bit of morality pondering can be done if you choose or leave it to the Lawyer as he figures it out. Glad I read it and did a little bit of pondering of which side of me I am feeding.

I suggest the 'enhanced' format

On my PC, the audio was fuzzy or muffled so I downloaded the enhanced format. Not only was the sound quality improved, but "enhanced" made it possible to hear the nuances of Martin Jarvis's expressive reading. A so-so performance suddenly became quite good.

better and better

every time i hear this story i get something new from it. and it keeps informing me about dualities and the self and others.

A Classic For a Reason

Jekyll and Hyde is the quintessential duality of man story, but most pop-culture retellings of if are poorly done. It was super cool to finally enjoy the original and see where all the retellings get it wrong.

a hyde in us all

there is a Mr. Hyde in us all. Some keep the monster locked away, some find ways to control his occasional release from restraint. Perhaps even some find a way to defeat him and somehow survive the battle, while others lose the good doctor of themselves and the monster takes over the whole. But one way or another, we will all see Mr. Hyde when we look in the mirror sometimes and our character is defined by what we do about it.