The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

The Phantom of the Opera tells the tale of a disfigured musical genius who haunts the Paris Opera House. Mesmerized by the talents and beauty of the young soprano Christine, the Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. One of the most well-known and well-loved gothic horror stories, Leroux's suspenseful tale of unrequited love, passion and tragedy is both dark and moving in its portrayal of Erik, the anti-hero in his yearning for Christine. The novel has been adapted into several formats, most notably a 1925 silent film directed by Rupert Julien and a 1986 musical composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the most successful theatrical show of all time.