Synopsis
The Phantom of the Opera is a gothic novel set in the grand Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris during the 1880s. The story revolves around Christine Daaé, a talented young soprano, who becomes entangled with the mysterious 'Phantom, ' a disfigured musical genius named Erik who lives in the depths of the opera house. As Christine's childhood friend, Raoul, rekindles his love for her, the Phantom's obsession grows, leading to a series of sinister events. Blending elements of romance, horror, and suspense, the novel explores themes of love, beauty, obsession, and the nature of humanity.
The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux holds historical significance as a blend of gothic romance and mystery, drawing inspiration from real events at the Paris Opera in the 19th century. The novel incorporates elements like the famous Palais Garnier's underground "lake" and the 1896 chandelier accident to create a haunting, fictional tale. Leroux's fascination with detective fiction, influenced by Edgar Allan Poe and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is evident in his detailed and atmospheric storytelling. The novel's rich setting and tragic characters inspired Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic 1986 musical, cementing its legacy in literature and the arts.
This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.
About the Author
Gaston Leroux, born on May 6, 1868, in Paris, France, was a prominent French novelist, journalist, and playwright, best known for his classic novel The Phantom of the Opera. Raised in a wealthy family, Leroux initially studied law and became a lawyer in 1889. However, a passion for storytelling and a penchant for gambling, which quickly depleted his inheritance, led him to abandon his legal career in favor of journalism. He joined the newspaper L'Écho de Paris as a courtroom reporter and theater critic, where he honed his skills in narrative construction and developed an interest in mysteries and thrillers.Leroux's experiences as a journalist significantly influenced his later writing. He traveled extensively, covering events like the Russian Revolution of 1905 and reporting on trials and dramatic incidents, which deepened his understanding of human nature and the complexities of crime. Inspired by writers such as Edgar Allan Poe and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Leroux ventured into detective fiction, creating one of his most acclaimed works, The Mystery of the Yellow Room (1907). This novel introduced his famous detective character, Joseph Rouletabille, and established Leroux as a talented mystery writer. In 1910, Leroux published Le Fantôme de l'Opéra (The Phantom of the Opera), a novel set in the Paris Opera House, blending gothic elements, romance, and suspense to tell the haunting story of a mysterious masked man.Despite initially modest success, The Phantom of the Opera gained popularity over time, becoming a literary classic and inspiring countless adaptations in film, theater, and music. Leroux continued to write novels, plays, and short stories throughout his life, creating a substantial body of work that spanned genres, including horror, mystery, and adventure. He passed away on April 15, 1927, in Nice, France, leaving behind a legacy as one of France's most imaginative and influential writers, particularly in the realms of gothic and detective fiction.
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