Ariadne in Mantua A Romance in Five Acts By: Vernon Lee (1856-1935)
Ariadne in Mantua: A Romance in Five Acts by Vernon Lee is a captivating and intricate masterpiece that seamlessly blends history, romance, and tragedy. With rich prose and an enchanting narrative, Lee transports readers to the captivating court of Mantua during the Renaissance era. The story revolves around the life of Ariadne, a young woman who finds herself caught in the intricate web of power, love, and manipulation. From the very first page, Lee's impeccable attention to detail shines through, immersing the reader in the vibrant setting of 16th century Italy. The grandeur of the Mantuan court is brought to life in vivid descriptions, from lavish costumes, opulent palaces, to the elegant and ornate social gatherings. The character development in this novel is truly exceptional. Ariadne is a multifaceted and complex protagonist, torn between her duty to her family and her desires for love and autonomy. Through her journey, readers witness her growth and transformation into a remarkable woman who learns to navigate the treacherous and unpredictable world around her. Lee's portrayal of romance is both tender and realistic. The relationships she creates are nuanced and layered, reflecting the complexities of human emotions. The exploration of love, passion, and sacrifice is masterfully woven into the narrative, ensuring that readers are fully invested in the characters' fates. One of the most remarkable aspects of this book is the historical accuracy and meticulous research that Lee undertakes. The political intrigues, power struggles, and dynamic atmosphere of the Renaissance court are vividly depicted. Lee effortlessly blends historical events with her fictional narrative, creating a world that is both authentic and thoroughly engaging. The pacing of Ariadne in Mantua is deliberate and methodical, allowing readers to savor each moment and fully appreciate the intricacies of the plot. The culmination of tension and conflicts in the final acts leaves readers breathless and emotionally invested until the very last page. Ariadne in Mantua: A Romance in Five Acts is a remarkable achievement in historical fiction. Vernon Lee's masterful storytelling and exceptional attention to detail create an immersive experience that captivates its readers. This book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, romance, and those seeking a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the complexities of the human heart. First Page: ARIADNE IN MANTUA A ROMANCE IN FIVE ACTS BY VERNON LEE Portland, Maine THOMAS B. MOSHER MDCCCCXII TO ETHEL SMYTH THANKING, AND BEGGING, HER FOR MUSIC PREFACE Ariadne in Mantua , A Romance in Five Acts, by Vernon Lee. Oxford: B.H. Blackwell 50 and 51 Broad Street. London: Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent & Company. A.D. MCMIII. Octavo. Pp. x: 11 66 . Like almost everything else written by Vernon Lee there is to be found that insistent little touch which is her sign manual when dealing with Italy or its makers of forgotten melodies. In other words, the music of her rhythmic prose is summed up in one poignant vocable Forlorn . As for her vanished world of dear dead women and their lovers who are dust, we may indeed for a brief hour enter that enchanted atmosphere. Then a vapour arises as out of long lost lagoons, and, be it Venice or Mantua, we come to feel "how deep an abyss separates us and how many faint and nameless ghosts crowd round the few enduring things bequeathed to us by the past." T.B.M. PREFACE "Alles Vergängliche ist nur ein Gleichniss" It is in order to give others the pleasure of reading or re reading a small masterpiece, that I mention the likelihood of the catastrophe of my Ariadne having been suggested by the late Mr... Continue reading book >>

Ariadne in Mantua A Romance in Five Acts By: Vernon Lee (1856-1935)

Ariadne in Mantua: A Romance in Five Acts by Vernon Lee is a captivating and intricate masterpiece that seamlessly blends history, romance, and tragedy. With rich prose and an enchanting narrative, Lee transports readers to the captivating court of Mantua during the Renaissance era.

The story revolves around the life of Ariadne, a young woman who finds herself caught in the intricate web of power, love, and manipulation. From the very first page, Lee's impeccable attention to detail shines through, immersing the reader in the vibrant setting of 16th century Italy. The grandeur of the Mantuan court is brought to life in vivid descriptions, from lavish costumes, opulent palaces, to the elegant and ornate social gatherings.

The character development in this novel is truly exceptional. Ariadne is a multifaceted and complex protagonist, torn between her duty to her family and her desires for love and autonomy. Through her journey, readers witness her growth and transformation into a remarkable woman who learns to navigate the treacherous and unpredictable world around her.

Lee's portrayal of romance is both tender and realistic. The relationships she creates are nuanced and layered, reflecting the complexities of human emotions. The exploration of love, passion, and sacrifice is masterfully woven into the narrative, ensuring that readers are fully invested in the characters' fates.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this book is the historical accuracy and meticulous research that Lee undertakes. The political intrigues, power struggles, and dynamic atmosphere of the Renaissance court are vividly depicted. Lee effortlessly blends historical events with her fictional narrative, creating a world that is both authentic and thoroughly engaging.

The pacing of Ariadne in Mantua is deliberate and methodical, allowing readers to savor each moment and fully appreciate the intricacies of the plot. The culmination of tension and conflicts in the final acts leaves readers breathless and emotionally invested until the very last page.

Ariadne in Mantua: A Romance in Five Acts is a remarkable achievement in historical fiction. Vernon Lee's masterful storytelling and exceptional attention to detail create an immersive experience that captivates its readers. This book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, romance, and those seeking a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the complexities of the human heart.

First Page:

ARIADNE IN MANTUA

A ROMANCE IN FIVE ACTS

VERNON LEE

Portland, Maine

THOMAS B. MOSHER

MDCCCCXII

ETHEL SMYTH

THANKING, AND BEGGING, HER FOR MUSIC

PREFACE

Ariadne in Mantua , A Romance in Five Acts, by Vernon Lee. Oxford: B.H. Blackwell 50 and 51 Broad Street. London: Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent & Company. A.D. MCMIII. Octavo. Pp. x: 11 66 .

Like almost everything else written by Vernon Lee there is to be found that insistent little touch which is her sign manual when dealing with Italy or its makers of forgotten melodies. In other words, the music of her rhythmic prose is summed up in one poignant vocable Forlorn .

As for her vanished world of dear dead women and their lovers who are dust, we may indeed for a brief hour enter that enchanted atmosphere. Then a vapour arises as out of long lost lagoons, and, be it Venice or Mantua, we come to feel "how deep an abyss separates us and how many faint and nameless ghosts crowd round the few enduring things bequeathed to us by the past."

T.B.M.

PREFACE

"Alles Vergängliche ist nur ein Gleichniss"

It is in order to give others the pleasure of reading or re reading a small masterpiece, that I mention the likelihood of the catastrophe of my Ariadne having been suggested by the late Mr... Continue reading book >>

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