A Fair Penitent

Set in the 19th century, this work by Wilkie Collins showcases the author's journey from a childhood in London to his emergence as a prominent novelist. Notably, Collins is credited with pioneering the detective genre, particularly with his acclaimed novel, which T. S. Eliot hailed as a cornerstone of modern English detective fiction. The book reflects Collins' literary evolution during a prolific period in the 1860s, where he gained fame through major works that combined mystery and social commentary, now being republished for contemporary readers.