Man and Wife (ePub)

Wilkie Collins (1824-1889), an English novelist, short story writer, and playwright, was an integral figure in the development of the mystery and sensation novel genres. Born in London, Collins was the son of prolific painter William Collins and was educated at private schools. He first studied law but soon shifted his focus to literature. His association with Charles Dickens, whom he met in 1851, had a significant impact on his writing career. The two collaborated on several works and shared a similar readership. Collins is best known for his novels 'The Woman in White' (1860) and 'The Moonstone' (1868), which are considered early examples of detective fiction, with 'The Moonstone' often cited as the first English detective novel. In his novel 'Man and Wife' (1870), Collins addresses the social issues of the period, focusing on the Victorian marriage laws and the notion of athleticism in British society. Collins utilized his legal background to enrich his novels with realistically complex plots and legal intricacies, weaving social commentary into his tightly knot narratives. His literary style was marked by an adept use of suspense and a shifting narrative voice, pioneering techniques that would influence the mystery and thriller genres for decades. Despite his popularity during the Victorian era, Collins' work has often been overshadowed by his contemporary Dickens. Nonetheless, his contribution to literature, notably his innovative use of the mystery form and engagement with societal issues of his time, confirms his place in the canon of English literature.