Caleb Williams or Things As They Are

Published in 1794, 'Caleb Williams or Things As They Are' by William Godwin is an early thriller that follows the story of Caleb Williams, a young man who becomes entangled in the dark secrets of his employer, Ferdinando Falkland. After discovering a hidden truth about Falkland's past, Caleb finds himself pursued relentlessly by his master, who resorts to unfair trials and imprisonment to silence him. The novel explores themes of social status, virtue, and the consequences of knowledge, making it a significant work in the development of the mystery genre.