Book Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.Download Description
The mysterious hand held a phial and poured the entire contents into the potion. Then the hand withdrew as it had come, slowly, prudently, slyly, and the key turned in the lock and the bolt slipped back into place. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Finally, a readable edition!
The Secret of the Night, the third in Gaston Leroux's mysteries featuring the memorable reporter and amateur sleuth Joseph Rouletabille, is a marvelous read; however, until now, until I purchased this edition published by Aegypan, I couldn't find a decent version, as the copies I'd come across were seemingly pulled straight from the free-text available on the internet, and were, therefore, chock full of mistakes.

In many quarters this story isn't as highly-rated as its literary siblings, The Mystery of the Yellow Room, which is generally considered the first and the finest of the "locked-room" mysteries, and its sequel The Perfume of the Lady in Black; but, in my opinion, The Secret of the Night is so much more than merely a worthy follow-up to its noted predecessors, it is in every way their equal.

Like most of Boris Akunin's best-selling mysteries featuring Erast Fandorin, The Secret of the Night takes place in Tsarist Russia and includes plenty of interesting and intricate plot twists and action, enough to hook even the most jaded of readers. And in the person of the amazing Joseph Rouletabille, The Secret of the Night can boast of a detective every bit as perspicacious and capable.

Boris Akunin's inventive modern-day mysteries are extremely popular and rightly so; but Gaston Leroux wrote his first, long ago, and just as well!Check them out for yourself and you'll see...

The Mystery Of The Yellow Room: Extraordinary Adventures Of Joseph Rouletabille, Reporter

The Perfume of the Lady in Black (Sequel to Mystery of the Yellow Room)

Secret Of The Night
Though not one of Leroux's best works, 'The Secret Of The Night,' is a stunning novel. I myself own one of the rare copies of 'Secret' as well as 'Myster of the Yellow Room,' and hopefully someday, 'Phantom.' In the bookLeroux focuses upon a detective in Russia partly resembleing InspectorDuPon (Poe) and Sherlock Holmes (Conan Doyal). A 4 star book. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document, covering the life and work of Gaston Leroux, is an entry from Contemporary Authors, a reference volume published by Thompson Gale. The length of the entry is 3777 words. The page length listed above is based on a typical 300-word page. Although the exact content of each entry from this volume can vary, typical entries include the following information:

• Place and date of birth and death (if deceased)
• Family members
• Education
• Professional associations and honors
• Employment
• Writings, including books and periodicals
• A description of the author's work
• References to further readings about the author

Book Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. Translation of Fantome de l'Opera. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

a great book
This book is great! A must have for all phantom phans. ... Read more

Book Description
This comprehensive analytical study of the Phantom of the Opera proposes answers to the question, "why do we keep needing this story told and retold in the Western world?" by revealing the history of deep cultural tensions that underlie the novel and each of its major adaptations. Using extensive historical and textual evidence and drawing on perspectives from several theories of cultural studies, this book argues that we need this tale told and reconfigured because it provides us ways to both confront and disguise how we have fashioned our senses of identity in the Western middle class. The Phantom of the Opera -in varying ways over time-turns out, like the "Gothic" tradition it extends, to be deeply connected to Western self-fashioning in the face of conflicted attitudes about class, gender, race, religious beliefs, Fruedian psychology, economic and international tensions, and especially the shifting and permeable boundaries between "high" and "low" culture. This book should interest all students of the history of Western culture, Gothic fiction, opera, musical theater, and film. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A very extensive look at the Phantom
This is the most extensive, in-depth analysis you can find on the Phantom.It's not just a psychoanalytic reading though, and Dr. Hogle looks at all manifestations of the phantom-but especially the book which started it all.He provides great insights into the underlying meanings of the text and why we are ultimately intrigued by the man who becomes a phantom.He has an interesting theory on how the carnivalesque infects the bourgeois opera, the underlying class struggle within the novel, and the identity formation of various characters. With all the pop culture junk out there, it is very refreshing to have a book I can actually use for research-in fact, I'm almost mad because I want to write an article on Leroux's book but Dr. Hogle has done such a thorough study, I'm beginning to wonder if there's anything left to write about (and of course there is).Very much for those who like literary theory, gothic theory, psychoanalytic readings of literature.And if you're just a die-hard phan it's very well worth your effort to understand what Hogle has to say.If you can get past the academic writing, you'll find some of the most interesting things about the Phantom you didn't know.

OK...for researchers
This book is very dry and full of "Freudian" suggestions...but this only stands to reason as the original novel (by Gaston Leroux published in 1911) was written during the height of the Freudian belief system....
I would not discredit this work in any way, other than to say it's not a "leisure read" or a bit of foolish, fluffy "PhanFiction" by any means.Those who wish to try it, do so...but be warned...it's more of a university level text that could very easily be used as an assigned text for psychology majors.It's definitely NOT for the silly "Phantom Phan" sect (and this text is often rejected by them).
Whether you buy into Freud and his ideas or not, remember than Leroux was a child of that era and his original novel often depicts many Freudian undertones.

Not easily accessible
Hogle's book is written using dense professorial obsurantism. Readers will need an outstanding education and exceptional literary sensitivity to understand what the good professor is trying to exposit.One professional reviewer stated that the author's approach to his subject was "strenuous and original".I couldn't agree more."Strenuous" completely describes not only this work but also the process of deciphering what it is that Hogle has to say.While it is an in depth and intensely researched look at the implications of this story for western society throughout the past century, it trades psychological insight into the cultural phenomenon for a more contextual social analysis.The personal psychological impact of the story for readers is something he seems to approach only distantly.Unfortunate, because this would give greater insight into the larger social ramifications.Also, Hogle can be repetitive with themes during the course of his analysis of the subject.I have praise only for his commentary on the original Leroux novel, which is insightful and meaningful.His commentary on the remainder of re-adaptations of the original novel ranges from good to weak.This is nowhere more apparent than in his discussion of what he calls, "the most important... renovelization of the original book" referring to the novel by Susan Kay.Here he attempts to prove, in less than four pages, a thesis that is both absurd and ill supported, despite the importance he himself has attributed to the work.Overall, his book is something that those persons enraptured with the story should avoid and that literary scholars should approach with appropriate discernment. ... Read more

Book Description
Most people think that they are watching the original Phantom of the Opera on home video or in revival houses.The existing print of the film is actually a silent version of a 1929 dubbed sound reissue, which is missing at least 35 minutes of development scenes, opera scenes, titles and some of the best atmospheric photography and set designs in motion picture history.The present unmasking scene is pale compared to the original.In this comprehensive history of this landmark horror film, author Phil Riley presents the complete, complex production of this amazing film.The 320 page book includes:the complete shooting script, the complete press book, rare behind the scenes photos, and recreations of lost scenes.Contributions by Mary Philbin ("Christine"), cinematographer Charles van Enger, Ray Bradbury, Ron Chaney and more! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Phantom of the Opera (Hollywood Archives Series)
Being a film buff, and the latest Phantom of the Opera now my favorite flick, I wanted to garner some history of the various film adaptations and this was very interesting.

Excellent book, horrifying editing
Shame on the editor of this book!The incredible research that went into this book is belittled by the fact that it is not very well written.Spelling and grammatical errors abound in this otherwise-excellent volume.This is the only book I own from this series; I sincerely hope that these problems were absent in other titles.

Other than that, I can say that this is the definitive book about Chaney's Phantom.Facts in this book are repeated in the "ultimate edition" 2-disc DVD, which includes the best-they-could-do of the 1925 original, which eluded the original authors of this book.

Regardless of my own personal pickiness, if you are a fan of silent films and/or Chaney's Phantom, please get this book.It's a wonderfully immersive read.

WHY ISN'T THIS BOOKAT NO. 1 in the Phantom Category????
I had thought Riley's work on MagicImage's THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN was the be-all end all coverage of a classic film until I'd picked this up. And just like the other reviews have stated, this is comprehensive and *THE* book on the original Phantom whether for casual interest or serious study. It's like compiling EVERY single article that you've seen or heard of on the film into this one rather large compendium. Forget Famous Monsters (Devil rest its soul) . This ... is serious and you will walk away with a new appreciation for the craft that was involved in creating this and other old films. Yes, the pressbook is here, scripts, interviews and other insights to this film that would otherwise be lost. There's a ton of stills that are quite rare and just as rarely seen. The pressbook is just incredible, being a total movie-promo snapshot of times gone by. It was cool to see, albeit small, a shot of Chaney and his wife (!) showing up at the premiere. There are scene comparisons betweeen the releases via text and pictures (the unmasking scene) as well as visual reconstruction of scenes deleted from the movie premier that none will ever see in moving form (likely) EVER again, but here, we see them sequentially by way ofactualstills, adding some understanding as to why the reissue is oftimes a confusing flick. Another really welcome part was the overview of Chaney's changing makeup throughout the film to accomadate the drama. This is the first time I think I've ever seen a commentary (AND with photos) on what I'd noticed while watching the film, at least one this thorough. But here, stills illustrate the changing nose, forehead, cheekbones, and totally puts into perspective Chaney's mastery of the medium that he'd worked in and what he was trying to convey with these changes. If you want in-depth, this is it. If you are a Chaney Phantomgeek, this is it. Pick it up, and don't think about it too long, since this will likely go out of print and be a pain to find, much like the BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN edition. If you're serious about Chaney, also check out LON OF 1000 FACES, by Forrest J Ackerman, which is a rerelease of the title, that just came out (9/03). It provides a VISUAL/PHOTOGRAPHIC overview of Chaney's films that would be a good companion to Riley's or any other Chaney book. That one draws from Ackerman's massive stills collection, ...

Simply Excellent.
This is THE MOST comprehensive book to date on the 1925 film, 'The Phantom of the Opera'. It has countless articles, interviews, facts, newspaper clippings, screencaps, photographs, etc. Amazing. 'Nuff said.

The definitive book on the silent film
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (1925) is one of the most famous silent films ever made, and this book follows the making of the film from beginning to end. Riley starts with the story of the Paris Opera house, Gaston LeRoux, and the novel.Then he follows the complicated production, with problems over Lon Chaney's participation, many rewrites, previews, and re-edited versions.When sound films came along, it was re-cut and opera sequences were added.This book has reprinted the entire pressbook, the original script, plus sections of the different script versions.Riley interviewed heroine Mary Philbin and several of the technical crew-members for this book.If you are a fan of Lon Chaney Sr., you will want this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Cute and Funny
This is a cute book, and Ebert certainly has a sense of the absurd and the ironic. The story takes poor Mason all over as he tries to set his life straight, while at the same time unravelling a mystery murder. Someone compared this book with the works of P. G. Wodehouse, but I felt a little let down on that aspect, with Wodehouse being preferable. And many of the things that happened to Mason seemed a bit too ridiculous and random to me, making it less ironic coincidence and more "Good God! How did *that* happen?!" And it is certainly as silly and light as it sounds. Still, not a bad read, if you enjoy the absurd and the comedic, especially British style, and certainly not lacking in strange plot twists.

Just a Warning: If you are considering buying this on the merit of its being about the Phantom of the Opera, think again. What little of the musical is mentioned here is inaccurately represented (perhaps purposely for copyright reasons?? Although, if that were the case, I would think he wouldn't be allowed to mention it so specifically at all) and plays no significant role.

A faded actor has a series of hilarious misadventures.
This is a FANTASTIC read. Film critic Roger Ebert is also a gifted weaver of the absurd and what-happens-next serial. Not only is the book hilariously improbable, Ebert also uses his passion for London and the eccentrics that populate it to great effect. The result is compelling, surprising, and always riotous. This book shows a side of Roger Ebert that readers of his reviews and fans of his popular TV show may not be familiar with. Do yourself a favor - buy this reasonably priced book, enjoy it, and tell your friends. It's a real treat! ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (42)

Wonderful book.Highly recommended!
I bought a copy of this book at a performance of The Phantom Of The Opera in 2000 and really love it.I tried to purchase a copy for a friend at the most recent performance we went to but it is no longer available and feel very lucky to have been able to find it here at Amazon.It tells of the Paris Opera House, Gaston Leroux, the original story and the movies.The reason I bought it is the last 100+ pages cover the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical and includes some incredible photographs.I was delighted when I got home and found it also includes the Libretto!I would encourage any fan of the musical to purchase a copy.

Beautiful
Loads of beautiful photos and lots of info.I love it.We do need and expanded edition to cover the movie.This is for Phantom Fans.

A very good book!!!
This a must have for any phans of the A.L.W. musical!!

Clearly, my dears, this IS the book for you.
This book... I have no words on how amazing it is.

When I rekindled my love for musicals, and of course, Phantom of the Opera made that happened... I had to get everything and learn everything about Phantom.So I found this book at the library and I went insane over it.

Firstly, it gives a clear background history on Gaston Leroux--the writer and the creator of Phantom of the Opera.Then, it goes into another section when talking about the films it inspired.You'll be surprised and amazed when you see it and read about it.Not only that, it tells you some small tidbit facts on the actors and actresses of these movies.

And then, my favorite part, it goes into the Lloyd Webber musical.And when I say "goes into" I mean it!! There are so many pictures of the Original London Cast it's phenominal!There ares ome behind the scenes pictures as well.I never seen so many pictures about Phantom sure in a book, ever.

And when you think that's enough, there is a libretto of the stage production--including scrafito'ed pictures of the OLC copied in there as it was when the CD/Cassette first made it's debut.

All in all, it's not clearly updated as it is now, there is mention of the movie and who they want in it.But otherwise, if you are a London Cast or simply a Phantom obsessionist, you MUST have this book.If you find it at a house sale, a junk pile, book sale... whatever... BUY IT.You will not be dissapointed!!

An absolute MUST to buy!!
I recently purchased both 'The Complete Phantom of the Opera'and the novel, and I am soo impressed! After I saw the movie and bought the soundtrack, I knew that I had to have these books. My interst in the Phantom of the Opera was first sparked when I saw the silent version with Lon Cheney. Then I heard about the movie coming out, so I saw it and I was more than impressed. I still have yet to see the Broadway version however. So, I highly recommend the movie, the soundtrack and the books. In my opinion each is well worth the cost!! ... Read more