This is a new edition, , of Wilkie Collins's originally published in 1893 by Harper & Brothers Publishers, of New York. Part of Adeptio's , this is not a facsimile reprint. Obvious typographical errors have been carefully corrected and the entire text has been reset and redesigned by Adeptio Editions to enhance readability, while respecting the original edition. The eBook edition was designed in an elegant style and set to take full advantage of the readers' devices. , is Collins's second novel, and one of Collins's masterpieces and helped establish Collins's reputation throughout the world. , born William Wilkie Collins (January 8, 1824-September 23, 1889) was an English novelist, playwright and short story writer best known for (1859) and (1868). The last has been called the first modern English detective novel. Born to the family of a painter, William Collins, in London, he grew up in Italy and France, learning French and Italian. Collins was born in Marylebone, London, the son of a well-known Royal Academician landscape painter, William Collins and his wife, Harriet Geddes. Named after his father, he swiftly became known by his middle name, which honored his godfather, David Wilkie. Wilkie and his brother, Charles, received their early education from their mother at home. The Collins family were deeply religious, and Collins's mother enforced strict church attendance on her sons, which Wilkie disliked. In 1840 the family moved to 85 Oxford Terrace, Bayswater. In late 1840, he left school and was apprenticed as a clerk to the firm of tea merchants Antrobus & Co, owned by a friend of Wilkie's father. He disliked his clerical work but remained employed by the company for more than five years. He managed to complete his legal studies and be called to the bar in 1851. Though he never formally practiced, he used his legal knowledge in many of his novels. After his first published novel, he met Charles Dickens, who became a close friend and mentor. Some of Collins's works appeared first in Dickens's journals and they collaborated on drama and fiction. Collins achieved financial stability and an international following with his best-known works in the 1860s, but began suffering from gout. Taking opium for the pain grew into an addiction. He died in Marylebone, London, on September 23, 1889. Wilkie Collins wrote many treasured best-sellers-among them , , and , -all published by Adeptio Editions.