Wishlist
Book Summary
Sweeney Todd: The String of Pearls is the original Victorian penny dreadful that introduced the demon barber of Fleet Street. This edition from Wordsworth Classics presents the full serialized novel by James Malcolm Rymer, a dark tale of murder, cannibalism, and revenge in 19th-century London. Essential for fans of Gothic horror and literary history.
This book is not available
Store  |
Condition |
Deals & Coupons | Price |
Est. Shipping |
Total |
Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorry we could not find any result for “9781840226324” | ||||||
About Sweeney Todd: The String of Pearls
Sweeney Todd: The String of Pearls is a seminal work of Victorian popular fiction, originally serialized in 1846-47. Attributed to James Malcolm Rymer, it tells the gruesome story of Benjamin Barker, a barber wrongly transported to Australia, who returns as Sweeney Todd to exact revenge on the judge who destroyed his life. Operating from his shop on Fleet Street, Todd murders customers with a mechanized chair and disposes of their bodies via a collapsible chute to his accomplice, Mrs. Lovett, who bakes them into meat pies. This Wordsworth Classics edition presents the complete text, capturing the sensationalism and social critique of the penny dreadful genre. It is a foundational text for horror and crime fiction, exploring themes of justice, corruption, and urban alienation in a rapidly industrializing London.
Who should read Sweeney Todd: The String of Pearls?
This book is ideal for readers interested in the origins of horror and crime fiction, Victorian literature, and Gothic tales. It appeals to fans of the Sweeney Todd musical and film who want to explore the original source material. Students of 19th-century popular culture and penny dreadfuls will find it invaluable. Anyone who enjoys dark, sensational narratives with social commentary will appreciate this classic.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Provides the complete original text of a foundational horror story.
- ✓ Offers insight into Victorian penny dreadfuls and popular culture.
- ✓ Features a compelling antihero and dark, atmospheric setting.
- ✓ Includes social critique relevant to modern readers.
- ✓ Affordable and accessible Wordsworth Classics edition.
Cons
- ✗ The serialized format can feel repetitive and digressive.
- ✗ Victorian prose and pacing may challenge modern readers.
- ✗ Some characters are underdeveloped compared to later adaptations.
- ✗ The violence and cannibalism themes are disturbing for some.
- ✗ Lacks scholarly annotations or introduction in this edition.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the original Sweeney Todd story?
Yes, this is the original serialized novel that introduced the character, predating the famous musical and film adaptations.
Who is the author of this book?
The novel is attributed to James Malcolm Rymer, a prolific writer of penny dreadfuls, though authorship has been debated.
Is this book suitable for young readers?
Due to graphic violence and themes of cannibalism, it is recommended for mature readers, typically high school and above.
Does this edition include illustrations?
Wordsworth Classics editions typically do not include the original illustrations, focusing on the text.
How does this compare to the musical?
The musical is a loose adaptation; the original novel is darker, more episodic, and includes characters and subplots not in the stage version.
At Windsorbooks, we compare prices from trusted sellers so you can buy, rent, or sell textbooks at the best total price — shipping included.
As an Amazon Associate, Windsorbooks.com may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases.