Wilkie Collins

Wilkie Collins Biography

Biography and 35 Wilkie Collins books available to download for free for iPhone, iPad, Nook, Android, and Kindle in PDF and all popular eBook reader formats (AZW3, EPUB, MOBI).

Wilkie Collins (1824-1889) was an English novelist and playwright known for his contribution to the development of the detective novel genre. He was born in London, England, and educated at home by his mother until the age of 16.

Collins began his career as a writer in 1848, with the publication of his first novel, "Antonina." However, it was his second novel, "Basil," published in 1852, that brought him critical acclaim. Collins went on to write several other novels, including "The Dead Secret" (1857), "The Woman in White" (1859), and "The Moonstone" (1868), which is widely regarded as one of the first detective novels in English literature.

Collins was known for his vivid characterizations and intricate plotting, and his works often explored social issues of the Victorian era, including gender roles and class inequality. He was a close friend and collaborator of Charles Dickens, and the two writers worked together on several projects, including the play "No Thoroughfare."

Collins's personal life was unconventional for his time. He lived with a widow, Caroline Graves, for over 30 years, and they had three children together. He also struggled with opium addiction, which influenced some of his writing, including his novel "The Moonstone."

Collins continued to write until his death in 1889, and his legacy as a pioneer of the detective novel genre continues to influence popular culture today.