A Modern Mephistopheles, and A Whisper in the Dark

350 pp. ABOUT A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES: "This chilling tale of lust, deception, and greed beings on a midwinter night as Felix Canaris, a despairing writer about to take his own life, is saved by a knock at the door. His mysterious visitor, Jasper Helwyze, promises the poor student fame and fortune in return for his complete devotion. The embittered Helwyze then plots to corrupt his overly ambitious protégé by artfully manipulating the innocent and beautiful Gladys. When Helwyze decides that he wants Gladys for himself, Felix must defend the adoring young woman from the corrosive influence of his diabolical patron. A novel of psychological complexity that touches on controversial subjects such as sexuality and drug use, A Modern Mephistopheles is a penetrating and powerful study of human evil and its appalling consequences." A Whisper in the Dark was first published anonymously in 1877, later attributed to Alcott, in the same edition as her book, A Modern Mephistopheles (1889). Alcott certainly enjoyed exploring her "darker side" in these works, perhaps not wanting to tarnish her reputation as the author of wholesome children's stories.