The Last Days of Pompeii
And Rienzi, The Last of the Roman Tribunes
by Edward Bulwer Lytton
Lovell, Coryell & Company, Ca. 1890, New York, No Date Printed.
From The Works of Edward Bulwer Lytton (Originally publised in 13 Volumes)
CONDITION:
Red cloth boards are worn along edges and corners with bumped corners. Cover is warped and binding skewed. Top edge gilt. Hinges cracked. There is a marker inscription on the front endpaper. Endpapers and text block are toned. Author portrait frontispiece.
ATTRIBUTES:
Illustrated edition. Hardcover. No dust jacket. Bound in cloth over boards. All edges gilt. 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.
DESCRIPTION:
Edward Bulwer-Lytton's "The Last Days of Pompeii" and "Rienzi, The Last of the Roman Tribunes" are two significant historical novels that showcase the author's engagement with classical and medieval history, as well as his exploration of societal themes. "The Last Days of Pompeii," published in 1834, is set in the ancient Roman city just before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. The narrative follows characters like the Greek nobleman Glaucus, the blind flower seller Nydia, and the sinister Egyptian priest Arbaces, as their lives intertwine amidst themes of love, betrayal, and the clash of cultures—specifically Roman decadence, Greek influence, and the nascent Christian religion. The impending natural disaster serves as a dramatic backdrop, highlighting the fragility of human existence and societal structures. This novel not only vividly portrays Roman life but also delves into broader themes relevant to Bulwer-Lytton's contemporaries, contributing to its lasting impact on the cultural and historical understanding of Pompeii.
"Rienzi, The Last of the Roman Tribunes," published in 1835, is a historical novel that chronicles the rise and fall of Cola 501 Rienzo, a 14th-century Roman leader. The book explores themes of power, ambition, and the social turmoil of medieval Rome, presenting Rienzi as an idealist who attempts to restore the glory of the ancient Roman Republic and bring justice to the oppressed. Bulwer-Lytton, influenced by his own political career as a Member of Parliament, uses Rienzi's story to reflect on leadership, the impact of individual choices on history, and the complexities of justice and tyranny. The novel's dramatic narrative and Gothic elements align it with the Romantic literary movement, emphasizing individual experience and historical depth.
Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1803-1873) was a prolific 19th-century English novelist, playwright, and politician. He was known for his diverse literary output, which included historical romances, science fiction, and works exploring the occult. During his lifetime, Bulwer-Lytton was immensely popular, and his works were widely read. He coined several enduring phrases, such as "the pen is mightier than the sword" and "the pursuit of the almighty dollar." His historical novels, including "The Last Days of Pompeii" and "Rienzi," were meticulously researched and played a significant role in establishing the genre of historical fiction. For collectors, these works represent a key period in Victorian literature, offering insight into the popular tastes and intellectual currents of the era, and showcasing the work of an author who, despite later critical reassessment, was a dominant literary figure of his time.
FLASHBACK TO 1890 WHEN THIS BOOK WAS PUBLISHED:
When this book was published in 1890, the world was a whirlwind of change: the Wounded Knee Massacre tragically marked the end of the American Indian Wars, while artistic movements like Art Nouveau blossomed across Europe, and the first successful elevator was installed in New York City. The year also saw the death of Vincent van Gogh, whose vibrant canvases would soon redefine art, and the birth of Agatha Christie, who would become a literary giant, all amidst the continued scramble for colonial territories in Africa and the rise of industrial might. This artifact, then, is a direct link to a pivotal moment when empires were shifting, new technologies were emerging, and the seeds of the 20th century were firmly being sown.
Location: ABS-1-4-014