Confessions of a Justified Sinner

A comic and terrifying novel about a man haunted by the Devil in the form of his own evil double.

James Hogg (1770–1835) was a Scottish poet, novelist, and farmer whose work was discovered by Sir Walter Scott and admired by writers as different as Wordsworth and Byron. His most famous book, Confessions of a Justified Sinner, published in 1824 and set in seventeenth-century Scotland, is a vivid exploration of fanaticism and the power of evil. The novel’s anti-hero, a young man named Robert Wringhim, falls under the influence of an enigmatic, shape-shifting companion, Gil-Martin, who convinces him that he is one of God’s chosen few and thus justified even in committing murder. Robert begins by focusing his murderous intentions on his more worldly and popular half-brother, the son of the Laird of Dalcastle, but before long he is besieged by doubts about his beliefs and even his own identity.

Anticipating Dostoevsky’s great dramas of sin, self-accusation, and damnation by half a century, Hogg’s masterpiece employs a comparable combination of black comedy, bitter realism, and colorful narrative sweep.

Everyman's Library pursues the highest production standards, printing on acid-free cream-colored paper, with full-cloth cases with two-color foil stamping, decorative endpapers, silk ribbon markers, and European-style half-round spines. Everyman’s Library Classics include an introduction, a select bibliography, and a chronology of the author's life and times.

With an introduction by Roger Lewis.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs