Sweeney Todd – The String of Pearls (Second Edition) (Tales of Mystery & the Supernatural)

Name: Sweeney Todd - The String of Pearls (Second Edition) (Tales of Mystery &amp; the Supernatural)
SKU: 9781840226324
Availability: InStock

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Book Summary

With a New Introduction by Dick Collins. The exploits of Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street , have been recounted many times in plays, films and musicals, but the origins of the character largely were forgotten for many years. The String of Pearls – the original tale of Sweeney Todd, a classic of British horror – was first published as a weekly serial in 1846-7 by Edward Lloyd, the King of the Penny Dreadfuls. One of the earliest detective stories, it became an important source for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, but it was after over 150 years of obscurity that it appeared first in book form in the Wordsworth edition published in 2005. The one great mystery that has surrounded the book is who the author was – or was it possibly the work of more than one man? In his new introduction to this fully revised second edition, Dick Collins, by means of detailed research of contemporary records, has established finally the identity of the creator of this legendary figure. So here is the original story of the terrifying owner of that famous London barber-shop, and the secret recipe for Mrs Lovett s delicious pies…

Language: English
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Wordsworth Editions Ltd. (2010)
ISBN-10: 1840226323
ISBN-13: 9781840226324
Genre: Classics
Size: 12.4 cm x 19.2 cm
Condition: New

SKU: 9781840226324 Categories: Books, Classics, English Books Author: James Malcolm Rymer

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Sweeney Todd – The String of Pearls (Second Edition) (Tales of Mystery & the Supernatural)

Sweeney Todd – The String of Pearls (Second Edition) Book Description

Readers will discover the chilling origins of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street in Sweeney Todd – The String of Pearls (Second Edition). This classic British horror tale first appeared as a penny‑dreadful serial in 1846‑7, penned by Edward Lloyd’s press. The story follows the murderous barber, his accomplice Mrs. Lovett, and the dark recipes that made her pies infamous. A new introduction by Dick Collins reveals the long‑lost identity of the author, backed by meticulous research of contemporary records.

The tale is more than a simple ghost story; it is one of the earliest detective narratives and an influential source for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. After more than a century of obscurity, the text was finally collected in a Wordsworth edition in 2005. This fully revised second edition restores the original language and adds scholarly notes that enrich the reading experience.

Fans of Gothic fiction will enjoy the vivid descriptions of fog‑filled London streets and the macabre atmosphere of the barber’s shop. Meanwhile, the story’s themes of revenge, greed, and social injustice still resonate today, making it a timeless addition to any classic horror collection.

Key Features of Sweeney Todd – The String of Pearls (Second Edition)

Inside this edition, readers can explore a newly researched author biography that finally solves the mystery of who created Sweeney Todd. Additionally, the book includes a comprehensive introduction that contextualizes the story within Victorian sensational literature. Furthermore, the text is presented in a clean, paperback format of 304 pages, ideal for both collectors and casual readers.

The paperback measures 12.4 cm × 19.2 cm, making it easy to carry on a commute or store on a shelf. Moreover, the edition is printed in English with high‑quality paper that preserves the original typography. Also, the book features a concise bibliography for those who wish to delve deeper into penny dreadful history.

Why Read This Book?

Readers will be drawn to the authentic Victorian voice that brings the infamous barber’s legend to life. This edition offers a rare glimpse into the cultural fascination with horror during the 19th century. Because the story inspired countless adaptations, understanding the original narrative adds depth to any viewing of the musical or film versions.

Moreover, the book serves as a valuable resource for scholars studying early detective fiction or Gothic literature. Fans of mystery and the supernatural will appreciate the suspenseful pacing and the grotesque yet compelling character portraits. Therefore, this work is both an entertaining read and an important literary artifact.

About This Book

Published by Wordsworth Editions Ltd. in 2010, this new paperback edition carries ISBN‑10 1840226323 and ISBN‑13 9781840226324. The condition is brand new, and the genre is classified under Classics. For more details, visit the Goodreads page. Discover additional English titles in our store through the English Books link.