The Phantom of the Opera is the most famous work of French author Gaston Leroux. Far darker than the stories familiar to audiences of today from the phenomenally successful Broadway musical and the early Lon Chaney, Jr. film, Leroux's Fantom is a genuine murderer, and the story, a true Gothic murder/horror tale. Erik, the Phantom of the Opera, terrorizes the Opera Garnier (or Paris Opera House) by a successful multi-year blackmail plot. When new owners take over the Opera, Erik's reign of terror is abruptly curtailed. With this threat to his formerly comfortable living, and his budding, if bizarre relationship with the lovely soprano Christine Daée, coming to a halt, Erik takes drastic and murderous action. More complex, and far darker than the Broadway musical and film, some have criticized Leroux's novel for its deliberate Nineteenth century pace, and its talkiness. Others have found it fascinating and absorbing reading, with depths not to be found in the later, extraordinarily popular adaptations.
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""A venerable, much-adapted story of grand, delicate feelings and gothic creepiness." --"New York Times
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Book Description
The classic Gothic horror novel of haunted cellars, opera, murder and unrequited love that inspired Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical
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It was the evening on which MM. Debienne and Poligny, the managers of the Opera, were giving a last gala performance to mark their retirement. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
It was the evening on which MM. Debienne and Poligny, the managers of the Opera, were giving a last gala performance to mark their retirement. Read the first page
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
34 of 34 people found the following review helpful
By Z
Format:Paperback
Love, hate, horror, the Phantom of the Opera has all this, making it one of the most captivating books ever. The book by the detective writer Gaston LeRoux tells the tale of Paris Opera house and its resident phantom. The book conceived by the author after a thorough investigation brings a believable portrayal of the events that had occurred at the time. Its basis on realistic facts makes it all the more believable.
The plot surrounds several characters that work at an opera house. The opera, well renowned for its plays also holds a deeper secret. When the new managers receive threats from a mysterious ghost, leaving letters initialled “O.G.”, a series of events are triggered that cause chaos in the opera house. Although this is how the book is introduced, its tone changes later in the book, focussing on the personality of the opera ghost. A story of love and sadness is revealed, piece-by-piece. The ending is startling leaving an air of melancholy in the reader’s heart.
The book was set in the late 19th century, recently after the opera house was constructed. The author himself was a great fan of the opera, and frequented it quite often. After hearing tales of the famous opera ghost, the author explored the opera house behind the scenes and discovered a vast maze of tunnels. In fact the opera house is a combination of a theatre and a dungeon. This creates an atmosphere of mystery, because then, anything could hide in the vast maze of the opera house.
The author handles the story very well. This could do with the fact that many parts of the book are actually based on fact-based testimonies. However the way the author connected the stories to make a smooth narrative is to be praised.
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
By Rachel
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Depending on who you listen to this is either a masterpiece, or a shaky story which has since been improved through adaptations to film and stage. My opinion is the former. I had no trouble at all reading this book, in fact I had real trouble putting it down. For a phantom phan this is essential reading as the basis for all subsequent versions of the tale, and a very good read in itself. Those who know more recent versions of the story should not expect this to be exactly the same; in fact all the characters come across very differently, creating a very different overall storyline regarding the characters.
The writer, Leroux, spent much of his writing career as a journalist, and 'The Phantom of the Opera' is written in a style which suggests a real investigation and interview of the characters by the author (hence the continually resurfacing hope of phans that the Phantom truly existed). This style works exceedingly well, in my opinion, as it leaves plenty of mysteries for the reader to consider, reflecting the nature of the story. Debates about certain points and occurrences continue to this day!
This book truly is a must read, and as copies can be found cheaply most anywhere, you have no excuse for not reading it!
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Mass Market Paperback
This must be the best book I've read in a while. Once I started it, I was cut off from this world. The plot is simple yet really entertaining. It doesn't state too many extra details and doesn't tell a few different stories at once like many other books. I am a person who often needs to reread some sentences again and again before I get them, but this one went almost completely smoothly. It must be considered a classic. Once I started reading it I was so enthralled that I felt like all the characters at one point in the book. It's kinda spooky, but not as much as many other books, just enough to make you continue reading. Please excuse the spelling, it is very late at night.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good
This is a good read and an absolute bargain. This was free so I suppose I have nothing to moan about really.
Published 16 hours ago by Sarah
3.0 out of 5 stars
a fairly good read
I found this to be an enjoyable book, however at times I thought it was rather repetitive. The characters were wonderful and very well developed, especially Erik! Read more
Published 7 days ago by J Santini
3.0 out of 5 stars
Get a different translation
This translation is more or less universally agreed to be the worst English translation of Phantom out there. Read more
Published 26 days ago by Laura
3.0 out of 5 stars
Phantom of the Opera book by Gaston Leroux
I know that this is the original story, but I found it hard to read and having seen the film first and then the stage show
preferred their version.
Doff1000
preferred their version.
Doff1000
Published 28 days ago by doff1000
4.0 out of 5 stars
Don Juan Triumphant
Gaston Leroux, born in 1868, was a French journalist and author. Although a successful writer of detective novels, he is best known for the "The Phantom of the Opera" - which... Read more
Published 29 days ago by Craobh Rua
3.0 out of 5 stars
Phantom of the Opera, by Gaston Leroux
Anyone who enjoys Arthur Conan Doyle should like this story. It's similarly far-fetched, but good entertainment when you want a light read.
Published 1 month ago by Gordon Charters
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Original!
I have the print copy but just had to have it on my Kindle which has become my new best friend!
Published 1 month ago by jwm hardy
4.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant
Bought as present, thoroughly appreciated, now just need to book to see the show, this was just stop gap till we can afford and get tickets..
Published 1 month ago by Dawn Phillips
5.0 out of 5 stars
music
I love the phantom and think this recording is great. I will be recommending to my friends. very enjoyable listening.
Published 1 month ago by spike
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great read
I have read this book before and I have seen the stage musical and several films over the years and listen to the soundtracks.
Published 2 months ago by Tony L
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