Name: The Beetle
ISBN: 9781318763948

Marsh Richard

Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.

A Mystery

The Beetle

Richard Marsh

The Beetle (1897) tells the story of a fantastical creature, “born of neither god nor man,” with supernatural and hypnotic powers, who stalks British politician Paul Lessingham through fin de siècle London in search of vengeance for the defilement of a sacred tomb in Egypt. In imitation of various popular fiction genres of the late nineteenth century, Marsh unfolds a tale of terror, late imperial fears, and the “return of the repressed,” through which the crisis of late imperial Englishness is revealed. This Broadview edition includes a critical introduction and a rich selection of historical documents that situate the novel within the contexts of fin de siècle London, England’s interest and involvement in Egypt, the emergence of the New Woman, and contemporary theories of mesmerism and animal magnetism.

Raya 

The Beetle (or The Beetle: A Mystery) by Richard Marsh was published in 1897, the same year as Bram Stoker's Dracula. It was a great success and at one point even outsold Stoker's novel. 

As the title suggests, the entire novel is based on this dark and mysterious object which takes the form of a beetle and is 'born neither of God nor man'. Coming out of the depths of ancient Egypt, this polymorphous creature seeks revenge on a famous member of the British Parliament, Paul Lessingham. Soon its malicious tendencies increase as its evil presence gains ground and some horrifying secrets unfold. 
Who or what was this inhumane spirit and what were its purposes ?
Marsh left all these questions to the reader. 
 
The author uses themes like hypnotism and brings forth an entity that appears to be thousands of years old. The writing is sharp and fast paced, the descriptions graphic and there is a distinct tone of anticipation throughout the novel.The story is divided into four books and each told by a different character. Each of those reports has been compiled by Champnell, the inspector in the case. The creature's homosexual and homoerotic renderings, the ambiguity which surrounds all plot events and the treatment of a threat from the East upon England are what make this novel a classic of postcolonial literature and to me, an underrated gem of late Victorian era. 

Critics believe the reason why Dracula eventually outshined The Beetle in the longer run is the latter's crypticism. Till the very end the reader fails to know the real deal behind all the chaos taking place. This to me, is quite fascinating because it permits me to bring my own fanciful theories into play 🕵️‍♀️

That being said, if you are in the mood to be puzzled by a Victorian horror novel let The Beetle be your pick.

The thrilling classic tale of a strange and sinister creature that stalks its prey mercilessly and changes shape at will From the mysterious depths of Egypt comes a creature “born neither of God nor man.” This shape-shifting being has made its way to London seeking revenge for the crimes that have been committed against the order of its ancient religion—and the primary target of this merciless and relentless terror is politician Paul Lessingham. As panic spreads throughout the city, it falls to Paul and his friends to stop the beast once and for all. Published the same year as the horror classic Dracula, The Beetle originally outsold Bram Stoker’s famous book. Richard Marsh’s story is a dark mirror of England at the end of the century, a tale of Victorian horror and mystery with a monster as dreadful and elusive as any in literature. This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.

Christina Berry 

Nicole Blazek

Ruth Parker 

Richard Marsh's weird, compelling and highly original novel, which once outsold "Dracula", is both a horror masterpiece and a fin de siecle melodrama embracing the fears and concerns of late Victorian society.

The Beetle A Mystery

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