The Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom of the Opera is so well known that I don't think I need to put a synopsis of the plot here. There have been so many movie adaptations, book sequels/prequels by various authors... and who can ever forget the sucessful stage production (which I am guilty of seeing twice)? The strength in this editon of The Phantom of the Opera lies in the introduction, the afterword, and especially the added information concerning the Paris Opera House itself. I read the novel years ago and it was just a simple translation. This edition provides much needed background information on Gaston Leroux and his motivation for writing The Phantom of the Opera that enriches the reading of the novel. The Afterword also shines a light on the founding of horror fiction itself including The Phantom of the Opera's place in it. The "Haunted Library" has undertaken a welcome exploration of the history of the horror genre itself. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.

5/5 Stars