The Cloister and the Hearth
Or, Maid, Wife, and Widow
By Charles Reade
With Illustrations.
New York: Hurst & Co., Publishers, 122 Nassau Street.
CONDITION:
Fair. The covers and boards are Good, showing minor scuffing and edgewear, with bumped corners. The spine is Fair, exhibiting a bumped head and tail, is cocked, darkened, and moderately frayed. Hinges and joints are Good. The text block and pages are Good, with brittle pages, dusty edges, and significant toning throughout. The endpapers are Good, displaying an inscription and minor toning. No copyright page, circa 1886.
ATTRIBUTES:
Illustrated edition. Hardcover. Bound in cloth over boards. This is an antiquarian book that has had a long and illustrious journey through time. Please take a look at the pictures to ascertain the condition of this item.
Page Count: 205
DESCRIPTION:
Charles Reade's "The Cloister and the Hearth" is a rich historical novel that immerses readers in 15th-century Europe. At its core, the narrative explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the conflict between secular and spiritual life, as it traces the captivating love story of Gerard and Margaret, who are presented as the parents of the renowned humanist Erasmus. The book vividly portrays the social customs, religious fervor, and burgeoning intellectual currents of the late medieval period, offering a panorama of life from humble cottages to grand monasteries and bustling cities.
Reade was a prolific and successful novelist and playwright known for his meticulous research and detailed historical reconstructions. His works often combined dramatic storytelling with a strong sense of realism and social commentary. "The Cloister and the Hearth" is widely considered his masterpiece, lauded for its epic scope, intricate plot, and deeply drawn characters. It stands as a significant example of the historical novel genre, offering both entertainment and an educational glimpse into a pivotal era.
For collectors, this book holds particular interest due to its enduring literary merit and its status as a classic of historical fiction. Its detailed portrayal of 15th-century life, coupled with a compelling human drama, makes it a perennially engaging read. The connection to Erasmus, a towering figure of the Renaissance, adds an intellectual layer that appeals to those interested in literary history and the origins of influential thinkers.
Bin Location: LIB