One of Cleopatra's Nights and Other Fantastic Romances

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Gautier, Théophile, 1811-1872

Contributor:

Hearn, Lafcadio, 1850-1904

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"One of Cleopatra's Nights and Other Fantastic Romances" by Théophile Gautier is a collection of romantic short stories written in the mid-19th century. The tales predominantly explore themes of beauty, love, and the enchanting realms of antiquity, particularly focusing on iconic characters like Cleopatra and highlighting the lavishness of their mythical lives. The vivid descriptions and fantastical settings paint a rich tapestry of emotion and sensuality that characterize Gautier's artistic vision. The opening of "One of Cleopatra's Nights" sets the stage for a journey along the Nile, in a beautifully adorned cangia belonging to Cleopatra, who is depicted as the epitome of beauty and longing. She expresses her weariness with the oppressive atmosphere of Egypt and her yearning for love and adventure, revealing a deep sense of ennui that permeates her surroundings. Accompanied by her attentive slave Charmion, Cleopatra's restlessness becomes a catalyst for the story's unfolding drama, as she contemplates her isolation despite her regal status. The narrative introduces Meïamoun, a young Egyptian enamored with Cleopatra, who passionately pursues her from his small boat, setting the stage for an impending encounter that promises to be both dangerous and intoxicating. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Contents:

One of Cleopatra's nights

Clarimonde

Arria Marcella

The mummy's foot

Omphale: a rococo story

King Candaules.

Credits:

Marc D'Hooghe

Notes:

Reading ease score: 62.1 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.

Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_of_Cleopatra%27s_Nights_and_Other_Fantastic_Romances

Release date is 2012-04-07