The Beetle

A dark force from ancient Egypt stalks the streets of London, seeking revenge on a respected politician. When a starving clerk climbs into an empty-looking house for shelter, he falls under the spell of a creature that will draw a statesman, an inventor and a brave young woman into a nightmare. The Beetle is a classic of Victorian horror, a gripping tale of supernatural menace, mesmerism, and a monstrous entity that can change shape at will.

First published in 1897, the same year as Dracula, Richard Marsh's novel was a sensation in its day and remains a thrilling read for fans of Gothic fiction. It combines elements of detective story, adventure, and horror, told through the eyes of multiple narrators whose accounts gradually reveal the terrifying truth. The novel explores themes of imperial anxiety, identity, and the limits of reason when confronted with the unknown.

This edition contains the complete text of The Beetle, along with a new introduction that sets the novel in its historical and literary context. It also includes a character guide, a summary of the plot, a thematic overview, a glossary of period terms, and discussion questions for readers, students, and book clubs.