Basil

Basil
A Story of Modern Life

By

5
(2 Reviews)
Basil by Wilkie Collins

Published:

1852

Pages:

255

Downloads:

7,105

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Basil
A Story of Modern Life

By

5
(2 Reviews)
A tale of criminality, almost revolting from its domestic horrors.

Book Excerpt

aly, and Germany; just kept up my classical knowledge sufficiently to take my degree; and left college with no other reputation than a reputation for indolence and reserve.

When I returned home, it was thought necessary, as I was a younger son, and could inherit none of the landed property of the family, except in the case of my brother's dying without children, that I should belong to a profession. My father had the patronage of some valuable "livings," and good interest with more than one member of the government. The church, the army, the navy, and, in the last instance, the bar, were offered me to choose from. I selected the last.

My father appeared to be a little astonished at my choice; but he made no remark on it, except simply telling me not to forget that the bar was a good stepping-stone to parliament. My real ambition, however, was, not to make a name in parliament, but a name in literature. I had already engaged myself in the hard, but glorious service of the pen; and I was determine

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Working my way through the available titles from Wilkie Collins - no way to be less than satisfied with his immaculately written stories. You don't need to even delve into the plotline (trust me) - just dive in.
A young man goes against his father's wishes and marries a girl beneath his station. The girl turns out to be quite a piece of work. Lots of suspense and tension. Highly recommended.