This book examines the themes and variations of
Phantom of the Opera
, exploring the story's appeal to multiple generations through numerous incarnations. After discussing Gaston Leroux's original 1910 novel, the work turns first to
Phantom
on film from Lon Chaney's 1925
through Dario Argento's 1998 film. Stage versions of
are then covered in detail, including Webber's spectacular 1986 production and its lesser-known predecessors and competitors, and those that followed. A final section looks at novels and miscellaneous adaptations ranging from erotic fiction to a Donald Barthelme short story.