Wylder's Hand is one of the most popular novel written by Irish author J. Sheridan Le Fanu, published in three volumes in 1864. It's full of mystery and suspense, depicting Victorian era. Story is all about two ancient family groups the Brandons and the Wylders engaged in their family conflicts, over titles, incomes and ownership of the Brandon hall. Charles De Cresseron a lawyer friend of Mark Welder narrates the story, Mark has invited him to seek his advice on the legal prospects of the marriage. As old matron Lady Chelford plans to end this rivalry by settling a marriage between beautiful young lady Dorcas Brandon and young handsome Mark Wylder. There is no love bonds, it's a negotiation only. As the marriage approaches near suddenly Mark disappears mysteriously. Dorcas feels decieted, tension and agitation prevails. Evidences suspect Mark's run off, meanwhile the tension Mark sends letters from Europe to Brandon Hall. Evil Stanley Lake, member of the third branch of the family, gets opportunity and seeks Dorcas hand.
Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu was an Irish author. He was born on 28 August 1814 in Dublin in a literary family. His parents were Thomas Philip Le Fanu and Emma Lucretia Dobbin. His grandmother, uncle, mother and niece also had good accounts of literary work. He got education in Trinity College Dublin, he became a lawyer but for journalism and writing left it. From early childhood he was inclined to writing, as a student he wrote 'The Purcell Papers' proved his mastery over supernatural stories. After that he wrote numerous ghosts and supernatural stories for the Dublin University Magazine. During the period 1845 and 1873 his 14 novels were published. His world fame creations are - Carmilla, Uncle Silas and The House by the Churchyards, Wylder's Hand etc. Thus, he was best known for the wonderful thrilling horror short stories. Le Fanu died in 1873 in Dublin.