Pausanias, the Spartan The Haunted and the Haunters, an Unfinished Historical Romance   By: Edward George Bulwer-Lytton (1803-1873)

Pausanias, the Spartan The Haunted and the Haunters, an Unfinished Historical Romance by Edward George Bulwer-Lytton effortlessly transports readers to the intriguing world of ancient Greece, weaving together a captivating tale of mystery, romance, and the supernatural. As an unfinished historical romance, this novel provides a fascinating glimpse into the mind of the talented author, leaving readers forever curious about the direction the story might have taken, had it been completed.

Set in ancient Sparta during one of the most intriguing periods of its history, the narrative follows the life of the eponymous character, Pausanias. A decorated Spartan general, Pausanias finds himself facing not only the external threats of the Persian Empire but also his own inner demons. Bulwer-Lytton skillfully explores the psychological depths of Pausanias, delving into the complexities of his character and presenting readers with a multi-dimensional protagonist who is both heroic and deeply flawed.

The supernatural elements pervading the narrative add a unique and enticing layer to the story. Bulwer-Lytton masterfully captures the eerie and ethereal, beautifully crafting an atmosphere of haunting mystery. As Pausanias confronts his tormented past and wrestles with his own demons, he stumbles upon a haunted mansion inhabited by ghostly apparitions. This encounter sets the stage for an exploration of the boundaries between the living and the dead, with Bulwer-Lytton seamlessly blending historical fiction with elements of the gothic genre.

The author's meticulous attention to historical detail is evident throughout the novel. Bulwer-Lytton's extensive research is palpable, painting a vivid portrait of ancient Spartan society, its customs, and its political intrigue. The inclusion of real-life historical figures adds authenticity to the narrative, as readers find themselves immersed in a world filled with the likes of King Leonidas and other notable figures from ancient Greece.

However, the book's unfinished nature could leave some readers feeling unsatisfied. Bulwer-Lytton's untimely death prevented him from providing a conclusive ending to the story, leaving readers to ponder the possibilities and potential resolutions left hanging in the balance. While this may disappoint some, it also serves as a testament to the author's genius, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's imagination.

In conclusion, Pausanias, the Spartan The Haunted and the Haunters is a captivating novel that seamlessly blends history, romance, and the supernatural. Bulwer-Lytton's masterful storytelling, coupled with his profound understanding of ancient Greece, creates an immersive reading experience that will transport readers to another time and place. Despite its unfinished state, this novel remains a testament to the author's literary prowess and is sure to captivate any lover of historical fiction.

First Page:

It is fully fifteen, if not twenty, years since my father commenced the composition of an historical romance on the subject of Pausanias, the Spartan Regent. Circumstances, which need not here be recorded, compelled him to lay aside the work thus begun. But the subject continued to haunt his imagination and occupy his thoughts. He detected in it singular opportunities for effective exercise of the gifts most peculiar to his genius; and repeatedly, in the intervals of other literary labour, he returned to the task which, though again and again interrupted, was never abandoned. To that rare combination of the imaginative and practical faculties which characterized my father's intellect, and received from his life such varied illustration, the story of Pausanias, indeed, briefly as it is told by Thucydides and Plutarch, addressed itself with singular force... Continue reading book >>