Gebir   By: Walter Savage Landor (1775-1864)

Gebir by Walter Savage Landor is an intriguing and ambitious work that takes readers on a thought-provoking journey through myth, love, and philosophy. Set in ancient times, the narrative unfolds in a mythical land ruled by Gebir, a wise and just king. Landor's writing style is rich and poetic, immersing readers in a world brimming with vivid descriptions and myriad emotions.

At the heart of the story lies a tender and forbidden love between Gebir's beautiful sister, Arvalan, and Hazael, a young nobleman. Their passion sets in motion a chain of events, exploring the complexities of desire and the consequences of societal expectations. Landor masterfully depicts the intensity of their love, creating a poignant portrayal of emotions that resonate with readers.

One of the strengths of Gebir is Landor's ability to explore weighty themes through his beautifully crafted verse. The book delves into profound philosophical questions, challenging readers to ponder the nature of existence, morality, and the human condition. Landor's musings on life and death, the purpose of love, and the search for meaning are beautifully expressed and offer readers much to reflect upon.

The characters in Gebir are compelling and deeply human. Gebir himself is a complex figure, torn between his duty as a king and his personal desires. Arvalan and Hazael, the ill-fated lovers, are portrayed with a delicate touch, showcasing the depth of their emotions and the struggles they face in a world that refuses to accept their union. Landor's ability to breathe life into his characters is remarkable, allowing readers to form a strong connection and empathize with their experiences.

While Gebir is an impressive work, it may not be easily accessible to all readers. Landor's use of poetic language and intricate imagery can be demanding, requiring readers to invest time and effort in understanding the nuances of his writing. Additionally, the book's dense philosophical explorations might not appeal to readers seeking a more straightforward narrative.

Overall, Gebir by Walter Savage Landor is a literary gem that rewards readers with its lyrical prose, evocative imagery, and profound reflections on love, life, and the human condition. It is a book that demands to be savored and contemplated, and leaves a lasting impression on those who are willing to delve into its depths.

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Walter Savage Landor was born on the 30th of January, 1775, and died at the age of eighty nine in September, 1864. He was the eldest son of a physician at Warwick, and his second name, Savage, was the family name of his mother, who owned two estates in Warwickshire Ipsley Court and Tachbrook and had a reversionary interest in Hughenden Manor, Buckinghamshire. To this property, worth 80,000 pounds, her eldest son was heir. That eldest son was born a poet, had a generous nature, and an ardent impetuous temper. The temper, with its obstinate claim of independence, was too much for the head master of Rugby, who found in Landor the best writer of Latin verse among his boys, but one ready to fight him over difference of opinion about a Latin quantity. In 1793 Landor went to Trinity College, Oxford. He had been got rid of at Rugby as unmanageable. After two years at Oxford, he was rusticated; thereupon he gave up his chambers, and refused to return. Landor's father, who had been much tried by his unmanageable temper, then allowed him 150 pounds a year to live with as he pleased, away from home. He lived in South Wales at Swansea, Tenby, or elsewhere and he sometimes went home to Warwick for short visits. In South Wales he gave himself to full communion with the poets and with Nature, and he fastened with particular enthusiasm upon Milton... Continue reading book >>