Publisher's Synopsis
The Cloister and the Hearth: A Tale of the Middle Ages is a historical novel written by Charles Reade. The novel is set in the 15th century and tells the story of Gerard Eliassoen, a young man who dreams of becoming a painter. However, his father, a rich cloth merchant, wants him to take over the family business. Gerard falls in love with a girl named Margaret, but her father disapproves of him because he is not wealthy enough. Gerard decides to leave home and travel to Rome to study art. On his journey, he encounters many challenges and adventures, including being imprisoned and meeting a group of wandering players. Eventually, he reaches Rome and becomes a successful artist. Meanwhile, Margaret's father dies, and she is forced to marry a man she does not love. Gerard returns to his hometown and discovers the truth about Margaret's marriage. He embarks on a mission to save her from her unhappy life, but his efforts are met with resistance from her husband and the church. The novel explores themes of love, family, religion, and the pursuit of one's dreams. It also provides a vivid portrayal of life in the Middle Ages, including the social hierarchy, the role of the church, and the importance of trade and commerce. The Cloister and the Hearth is considered a classic of historical fiction and has been praised for its richly detailed characters and engaging plot.1922. Reade was an English novelist and dramatist, best known for The Cloister and the Hearth relates the adventures of the father of Erasmus, and is considered one of the best examples of historical novels. The book begins: Not a day passes over the earth, but men and women of no note do great deeds, speak great words, and suffer noble sorrows. Of these obscure heroes, philosophers, and martyrs, the greater part will never be known till that hour, when many that are great shall be small, and the small great; but of others the world�������s knowledge may be said to sleep: their lives and characters lie hidden from nations in the annals that record them.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
