Caleb Williams (PDF)

This novel is about Caleb Williams, a self-taught young man who has risen to the honorable post of secretary to Falkland, a local Squire known for his kindness. Caleb is puzzled by Falkland's peculiar behavior and begins a quiet study of his employer's past. He searches a room he was warned against entering and discovers evidence proving Falkland guilty of a murder for which another man was hanged. Caleb is then forced to flee Falkland's vengeance, and his flight intensifies a powerful revelation of the inequities of Britain's political and social system in the 1790's. Caleb's fall from him promising career with a decent and honorable intellectual casts him into the criminal element as Falkland continues his pursuit. Caleb maintains his innocence to the false accusations of burglary thrown at him. After he is finally vindicated of these charges, he insists on his guilt because he feels unable to bear the reproach he brings upon Falkland. The story is endlessly complex and fascinating, involving issues of power and the imperfect idea of human justice.
Please Note: This book has been reformatted to be easy to read in true text, not scanned images that can sometimes be difficult to decipher. The Microsoft eBook has a contents page linked to the chapter headings for easy navigation. The Adobe eBook has bookmarks at chapter headings and is printable up to two full copies per year. Both versions are text searchable.