With its pervading atmosphere of menace, tinged with dark humour, The Phantom of the Opera (1910) has inspired film, stage and literature since its publication, including Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera, the most successful theatrical show of all time. And when Christine suddenly disappears after a triumphant singing performance, it becomes clear that the Phantom's time has come. When Christine is courted by a handsome young Viscount, the Phantom is consumed by jealousy and seeks revenge.

The Phantom haunts the imagination of the beautiful and talented singer Christine Daae, appearing to her as the 'Angel of Music' - a disembodied voice, coaching her to sing as she never could before. When the new managers of the Paris Opera House ignore their predecessors' warnings about the hideous 'Opera ghost' stalking the theatre, it is a fatal mistake. This Penguin Classics edition is translated with notes by Mireille Ribiere, and an introduction by Jann Matlock.

The Phantom of the Opera is Gaston Leroux's exquisite blend of Gothic horror and tragic romance, which formed the basis for a world-renowned stage musical.

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