Wilkie Collins Quotes

A collection of quotes by Wilkie Collins.

Wilkie Collins (1824-1889) was an English novelist and playwright, considered one of the pioneers of detective fiction. Born in London, he was the son of renowned landscape painter William Collins. Despite suffering from a physical disability, Collins was a voracious reader and developed a passion for writing at a young age.

Collins's breakthrough novel, "The Woman in White" (1859), catapulted him to fame. This sensational mystery tale, with its intricate plot and memorable characters, established Collins as a master storyteller. He continued to write many other popular novels, including "No Name" (1862) and "Armadale" (1866), solidifying his reputation as a leading writer of Victorian literature.

An innovator in his genre, Collins's novels were characterized by their use of multiple narrators, intricate plots, and psychological depth. His works often explored controversial themes such as social inequalities, the position of women in society, and the legal rights of unmarried women.

Collins's collaboration with Charles Dickens, a close friend and mentor, resulted in the play "The Frozen Deep" (1857) and several short stories. Despite dealing with health issues in his later years, Collins continued to write prolifically. He died in 1889 at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy of influential works that continue to captivate readers with their suspenseful narratives and astute social observations.