He studied law but turned to journalism to support his hedonistic lifestyle. All of Dolan’s originals for the stunning artwork were screenprinted by hand for reproduction in this exquisitely produced edition.
The saturated colours and poster-like period style of her arresting full-colour illustrations and binding design are inspired by a childhood spent in and around the theatre, and her artwork for the endpapers show a weird cast of minor characters parading at the Opéra’s masked ball. The looming disaster, which the foulest monster who ever walked the earth had planned as a way of defending his hiding place, would be his revenge for unrequited loveĮach of the novel’s 27 chapters is adorned with an individually designed decoration by Taylor Dolan. Not to mention Callow’s inside knowledge, gleaned from playing one of the Opéra’s new co-directors in the film adaptation of the novel. And who better to introduce a novel steeped in the world of theatre than Simon Callow? His vast knowledge and experience of acting, writing and directing informs his deeply researched piece that reveals the fascinating history of the Palais Garnier as well as biographic detail on the eccentric workaholic Leroux. While the opulent foyer and auditorium radiate glitz and glamour, behind the scenes it is an eerie and disorientating place, populated with pallid stage hands and elderly workers who never leave their subterranean world, the contrast between above and below both stark and ominous.ĭavid Coward’s 2012 translation is the latest and the very best, based on the complete unabridged text and incorporating all of Leroux’s trademark stylistic flourishes. Set almost entirely inside the celebrated cavernous Opéra Garnier, this macabre adventure races between the public and private spaces of this world within a world – a parallel universe of good and bad, visible and concealed, smoke and mirrors. That is, until his unrequited love for the beautiful singer Christine Daaé ignites both his passion and his rage, and he uses every cruelty at his disposal to steal Christine’s heart from the dashing Viscount Raoul de Chagny.
Hiding his hideous face behind a mask, he lurks out of sight but is ever-present. But venture further underground, beyond the labyrinth of long-forgotten storerooms and dimly lit corridors, and eventually you will come across the vast lair of the mysterious Opéra ghost. Deep beneath the Paris opera house, another world exists: vast production sets, dressing rooms, workshops and stables.
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