Publisher's Synopsis
The Adventures of Caleb Williams or Things As They Are is a novel written by William Godwin. The story follows the life of Caleb Williams, a young man who works as a secretary for a wealthy landowner named Ferdinando Falkland. Caleb becomes suspicious of Falkland's past and begins to investigate, only to uncover a dark secret that threatens his own life. The novel explores themes of justice, power, and the corrupting influence of wealth. It was first published in 1794 and is considered a masterpiece of Gothic literature. The book is known for its innovative narrative structure and its critique of the social and political systems of the time.He figured himself, as about to be deserted by every creature in human form; all men, under the influence of a fatal enchantment, approving only what was sophisticated and artificial, and holding the rude and genuine offspring of nature in mortal antipathy. Impressed with these gloomy presages, he saw Miss Melville with no sentiments but those of rancorous aversion; and, accustomed as he was to the uncontrolled inclulgence of his propensities, he determined to wreak upon her a signal revenge.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
