The Witch of Prague

F. Marion Crawford

2017年12月 · Otbebookpublishing

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Excerpt: "A great multitude of people filled the church, crowded together in the old black pews, standing closely thronged in the nave and aisles, pressing shoulder to shoulder even in the two chapels on the right and left of the apse, a vast gathering of pale men and women whose eyes were sad and in whose faces was written the history of their nation. The mighty shafts and pilasters of the Gothic edifice rose like the stems of giant trees in a primeval forest from a dusky undergrowth, spreading out and uniting their stony branches far above in the upper gloom. From the clerestory windows of the nave an uncertain light descended halfway to the depths and seemed to float upon the darkness below as oil upon the water of a well. Over the western entrance the huge fantastic organ bristled with blackened pipes and dusty gilded ornaments of colossal size, like some enormous kingly crown long forgotten in the lumber room of the universe, tarnished and overlaid with the dust of ages. Eastwards, before the rail which separated the high altar from the people, wax torches, so thick that a man might not span one of them with both his hands, were set up at irregular intervals, some taller, some shorter, burning with steady, golden flames, each one surrounded with heavy funeral wreaths, and each having a tablet below it, whereon were set forth in the Bohemian idiom, the names, titles, and qualities of him or her in whose memory it was lighted. Innumerable lamps and tapers before the side altars and under the strange canopied shrines at the bases of the pillars, struggled ineffectually with the gloom, shedding but a few sickly yellow rays upon the pallid faces of the persons nearest to their light."

著者について

Francis Marion Crawford (1854-1909) was an American novelist whose prolific output and cosmopolitan lifestyle made him a unique figure in late 19th-century literature. Born in Italy to American parents, Crawford's upbringing was a tapestry of cultural influences, which deeply informed his writing. He was educated at prestigious institutions across Europe and the United States, including Cambridge University and the University of Rome, where he developed a profound appreciation for history, languages, and the arts.Crawford's literary career took off with the publication of "Mr. Isaacs" in 1882, a novel that showcased his talent for blending exotic locales with intricate plots. He became known for his historical novels and supernatural fiction, often drawing on his extensive travels and deep understanding of different cultures. His works were celebrated for their vivid descriptions, complex characters, and the seamless integration of historical detail with imaginative storytelling.A man of many talents, Crawford was also a skilled linguist and an accomplished musician. His ability to write compellingly about diverse settings—from the bustling streets of Rome to the mystical landscapes of India—captivated readers and critics alike. Despite his success, Crawford was not without controversy; his works sometimes faced criticism for their perceived romanticism and escapism during an era increasingly focused on realism and social issues.Crawford's influence extended to contemporary writers who admired his narrative skill and his ability to transport readers to different worlds. His legacy is a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted storytelling and the exploration of human experience across time and place.