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'the First And Greatest Of English Detective Novels' T.s.eliot A Fabulous Yellow Diamond Becomes The Dangerous Inheritance Of Rachel Verinder. Outside Her Yorkshire Country House Watch The Hindu Priests Who Have Waited For Many Years To Reclaim Their Ancient Talisman, Looted From The Holy City Of Somnauth. When The Moonstone Disappears The Case Looks Simple, But In Mid-victorian England No One Is What They Seem, And Nothing Can Be Taken For Granted. Witnesses, Suspects, And Detectives Take Up The Story In Turn. The Bemused Butler, The Love-stricken Housemaid, The Enigmatic Detective Sergeant Cuff, The Drug-addicted Scientist, Each Speculate On The Mystery As Collins Weaves Their Narratives Into A Masterpiece Of Construction And Suspense. But The Moonstone Is More Than Just A Detective Novel Or A Murder Mystery And This New Edition Features A Fascinating Introduction By John Sutherland Which Discusses The Themes Of Imperialism, Sensationalism And Mesmerism And The Way In Which They Operate In The Novel And Within Its Cultural Context. About The Series: For Over 100 Years Oxford World's Classics Has Made Available The Widest Range Of Literature From Around The Globe. Each Affordable Volume Reflects Oxford's Commitment To Scholarship, Providing The Most Accurate Text Plus A Wealth Of Other Valuable Features, Including Expert Introductions By Leading Authorities, Helpful Notes To Clarify The Text, Up-to-date Bibliographies For Further Study, And Much More.
The theft of a priceless yellow diamond from a Yorkshire country house triggers a complex investigation involving colonial history and personal secrets. Rachel Verinder inherits the cursed Moonstone, a diamond stolen from a holy site in India, which draws the attention of persistent Hindu priests determined to reclaim it. When the gem vanishes during her birthday party, the household is thrown into turmoil as various residents and guests become suspects. The narrative unfolds through a series of testimonies provided by different characters, creating a multi-layered account of the events surrounding the disappearance.
Readers and critics frequently identify this work as a foundational text for the modern detective genre. Discussion often centers on the innovative use of multiple narrators, which allows the author to present conflicting perspectives on the same set of events. Many observers highlight the balance between the central mystery and the social commentary regarding British colonial practices. The pacing is often noted for its methodical buildup, which rewards readers who appreciate detailed character studies alongside plot-driven suspense. The atmospheric setting of the Yorkshire estate serves as a critical anchor for the unfolding drama, ensuring the narrative remains grounded despite its complex structure.
Page Count:
560
Publication Date:
1999-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0191605379
ISBN-13:
9780191605376
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