Melmoth the Wanderer

"Melmoth the Wanderer" is an outstanding 19th-century novel written by Charles Robert Maturin. This dark tale, regarded as one of the most influential horror stories of its time, tells the story of Melmoth, a character who makes a devilish pact to exchange his soul for immortality. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of those who are approached by Melmoth to take on his dreadful pact. Maturin's work is heavily influenced by the Gothic novels of the late 18th century and elevates the genre to a new, macabre level. The literary significance of "Melmoth the Wanderer" is underscored by the admiration of greats such as Edgar Allan Poe, Honoré de Balzac, Oscar Wilde, and Charles Baudelaire. This edition is part of the esteemed Penguin Classics series, known for its authoritative texts and the provision of introductions and notes by respected scholars.