The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Where it came from

Growing up in Scotland Stevenson wanted to become a writer but was forced by his father to study law and spent much of his time drinking in bars and travelling abroad.

Intrigued as a teenager by the interplay between good and evil, wildness and civilisation, he wrote first a play then a short story exploring this theme.

Years later while bedridden in Bournemouth with a fever Stevenson dreamed several of the scenes from Jekyll and Hyde. He wrote the first draft in three days and refined the story over the next 6 weeks. It was a runaway success.

Where it went next

Adapted over 100 times for stage, film and television, Jekyll and Hyde have inspired prequels, sequels and spinoffs, from children’s TV series Julia Jekyll and Harriet Hyde to films such as The League of Extraordinary Gentleman, and comic characters like Marvel’s Incredible Hulk.

Associated stories

Fans of Jekyll and Hyde will also enjoy Stevenson’s first major success, the pirate adventure Treasure Island, and his historical novel Kidnapped.