No Name

I have just finished listening to the BBC Radio version of Wilkie Collins' No Name. I now know why I and countless other readers are only familiar with The Woman in White and The Moonstone. It is really awful. That said, I think it could serve as an ideal text for a mid 19th century English lit course. It would obviate the need for any other text whatever as it contains every implausible plot device ever used(1) by Dickens and his contemporaries wrapped in a good thick gooey layer of sentimentality and sensationalism.

(1)Including madness, idiocy, disinheritance (multiple), implausible sudden deaths (multiple), illegitimacy, faithful servant, crusty admiral, sleep walking, love at first sight (multiple), improbable coincidences, servant impersonating quality, quality impersonating servant, recognition by moles etc etc.