Edward Bulwer Lytton

A Strange Story Edward Bulwer Lytton

The story is told by one Dr. Fenwick. His professional rival in the town in which he settles is a Dr. Lloyd. He comes into direct opposition to him when the latter becomes a disciple of Mesmer, and seeks to heal the sick by mesmeric influence. Fenwick directs a vigorous pamphlet against Lloyd's pretensions, treating the whole matter as child's-play, beneath the notice of science. On his death-bed Lloyd sends for Fenwick, accuses him of having ruined him by his attacks, and intimates that he will be forced to acknowledge the existence of supernatural forces. The narrative that follows relates the fulfillment of Lloyd's dying threat. Curious occurrences force Fenwick into the consideration of occult phenomena. He becomes at last a believer in the existence and power of unseen forces. 'A Strange Story' combines romance with science, scholarship with mysticism. It is one of the most fascinating embodiments in fiction of the occult philosophy.