East Lynne is a novel by Ellen Wood, whose shocking plot produced a sensation in Victorian society at the time it was first published in 1861.
Much-adapted for the stage in both the United States and Europe, the lengthy and intricate plotline which follows the life and adulterous misadventures of Lady Isabel Carlyle proved compelling for Victorian audiences. Lady Isabel, wrongly assuming her husband is in an adulterous relationship himself, responds to the affections of the aristocratic Francis Levison. Thereafter follows tragedy, as the elopement concludes unhappily - especially for Isabel herself.
After its original publication, the book remained enduringly popular, especially the condensed adaptations produced for the stage - at least nine distinct adaptations for theatre were written. Notably, a 1931 adaptation won Best Picture Oscar at the Academy Awards, and the book has since seen televised adaptation by the BBC as well as stagings in playhouses around the world.
This edition faithfully reproduces the original text in its entirety, unabridged and well-composed.
