Gilbert Markham is fascinated by Helen Graham, the beautiful and enigmatic woman who has recently moved into Wildfell Hall. He is swift to befriend her, but when local gossip calls Helen's character and behaviour into question, Gilbert begins to repent of his congeniality. It is only when Helen presents Gilbert with her diary and instructs him to read it that the shocking truth about the marriage she has escaped from becomes clear. An instant success, the first edition of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall sold out in weeks, yet was mired in controversy for what many contemporary critics viewed as its shocking subject matter and fierce defence of women's rights.

ABOUT THE SERIES: Alma Evergreens is a series of popular classics. All the titles in the series are provided with an extensive critical apparatus, extra reading material including a section of photographs and notes. The texts are based on the most authoritative edition (or collated from the most authoritative editions or manuscripts) and edited using a fresh, intelligent editorial approach. With an emphasis on the production, editorial and typographical values of a book, Alma Classics aspires to revitalize the whole experience of reading the classics.