The pair of stories by Robert Louis Stevenson deal with the nature of good and evil in man's soul. Stevenson's views are clearly influenced by his Christianity, and some of them seem implausible from a more modern, scientific standpoint, but there is still much of value to be gleaned from these stories.

"The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is about an upstanding, respectable doctor who has a darker side which he guiltily hides from society, until through his experiments he severs in himself "those provinces of good and ill which divide and compound man's dual nature." This view of man's nature, as well as the natures of good and evil, is rather mystical, even Platonic, and not particularly insightful...but Stevenson has other things to say on those subjects which are. For instance, this story also explores the theme of how giving in to minor vices corrupts one's character, leading the way to greater evils and making it ever harder to remain on the path of righteousness.

"Markheim" is a psychological metaphor about a man who commits a murder, and a stranger arrives offering to help him carry the crime to a successful conclusion. Is it the devil, or his conscience? A suspenseful and intriguing story, and a nice companion to "Jekyll and Hyde".

Roy McMillan's narration is by far the best I've heard of "Jekyll and Hyde", and I've heard a few others. He really brings it to life, and there isn't a dry or dull moment in his reading of it. Definitely recommended. ( )