Gaston de Latour; an unfinished romance By: Walter Pater (1839-1894)
Gaston de Latour: An Unfinished Romance by Walter Pater takes readers on an intriguing journey back to Renaissance France, captivating them with its lush descriptions, complex characters, and thought-provoking philosophical musings. While the story remains incomplete, Pater's narrative skill and profound insights make this a fascinating read for fans of historical fiction. Set during the turbulent period of the French Wars of Religion, the novel revolves around the eponymous protagonist Gaston de Latour, a young Huguenot nobleman. As Gaston navigates the treacherous political and religious landscape, readers are exposed to a rich tapestry of historical events, interwoven with his personal quest for identity and self-discovery. One of the novel's central strengths lies in Pater's evocative prose, which immerses readers in the opulent and violent world of 16th-century France. His vivid descriptions of lavish court life, the breathtaking French countryside, and the religious turmoil of the era transport readers to a bygone era. It is evident that Pater's deep knowledge of art and aesthetics influenced his writing style, as he skillfully paints scenes with lyrical language that engages all the senses. Beyond its visually stunning settings, Gaston de Latour delves into the psychological depths of its characters, providing readers with a profound exploration of themes such as identity, faith, and the pursuit of beauty. Gaston himself embodies the conflicts of his time, torn between his Huguenot upbringing and the allure of Catholicism. Pater's nuanced portrayal of Gaston's inner struggles and moral dilemmas adds depth to his character, making him relatable and engaging. Moreover, Pater's incorporation of philosophical ideas and musings elevates the novel to a higher intellectual plane. Through Gaston's encounters with various philosophers, theologians, and scholars, Pater invites readers to contemplate questions of existence, art, and the nature of beauty. While these philosophical interludes may be dense at times, they add a layer of intellectual depth that sets this novel apart from traditional historical romances. However, the nature of the novel being unfinished leaves readers longing for a more conclusive ending. The narrative builds up with a sense of impending climax that promises resolution, but abruptly leaves readers hanging. Though this may disappoint some readers, it is essential to recognize that the incomplete status of the book is no fault of Pater's, as it was published posthumously. In the end, Gaston de Latour: An Unfinished Romance is a literary gem that showcases Walter Pater's artistry and intellectual prowess. Historical fiction enthusiasts, as well as those interested in profound philosophical contemplation, will appreciate the richness and depth of this work. Pater's meticulous attention to detail and his exploration of complex themes transport readers to 16th-century France, offering a fascinating glimpse into a captivating era filled with opulence, conflict, and profound existential questions. First Page: GASTON DE LATOUR: AN UNFINISHED ROMANCE WALTER PATER 1. A Clerk in Orders: 1 25 2. Our Lady's Church: 26 47 3. Modernity: 48 72 4. Peach Blossom and Wine: 73 90 5. Suspended Judgment: 91 115 6. Shadows of Events: 116 131 7. The Lower Pantheism: 132 end I. A CLERK IN ORDERS The white walls of the Château of Deux manoirs, with its precincts, composed, before its dismantling at the Revolution, the one prominent object which towards the southwest broke the pleasant level of La Beauce, the great corn land of central France. Abode in those days of the family of Latour, nesting there century after century, it recorded significantly the effectiveness of their brotherly union, less by way of invasion of the rights of others than by the improvement of all gentler sentiments within. From the sumptuous monuments of their last resting place, backwards to every object which had encircled them in that warmer and more lightsome home it was visible they had cared for so much, even in some peculiarities of the very ground plan of the house itself everywhere was the token of their anxious estimate of all those incidents of man's pathway through the world [2] which knit the wayfarers thereon most closely together. Why this irregularity of ground plan? the traveller would ask; recognising indeed a certain distinction in its actual effect on the eye, and suspecting perhaps some conscious aim at such effect on the part of the builders of the place in an age indulgent of architectural caprices... Continue reading book >>

Gaston de Latour; an unfinished romance By: Walter Pater (1839-1894)

Gaston de Latour: An Unfinished Romance by Walter Pater takes readers on an intriguing journey back to Renaissance France, captivating them with its lush descriptions, complex characters, and thought-provoking philosophical musings. While the story remains incomplete, Pater's narrative skill and profound insights make this a fascinating read for fans of historical fiction.

Set during the turbulent period of the French Wars of Religion, the novel revolves around the eponymous protagonist Gaston de Latour, a young Huguenot nobleman. As Gaston navigates the treacherous political and religious landscape, readers are exposed to a rich tapestry of historical events, interwoven with his personal quest for identity and self-discovery.

One of the novel's central strengths lies in Pater's evocative prose, which immerses readers in the opulent and violent world of 16th-century France. His vivid descriptions of lavish court life, the breathtaking French countryside, and the religious turmoil of the era transport readers to a bygone era. It is evident that Pater's deep knowledge of art and aesthetics influenced his writing style, as he skillfully paints scenes with lyrical language that engages all the senses.

Beyond its visually stunning settings, Gaston de Latour delves into the psychological depths of its characters, providing readers with a profound exploration of themes such as identity, faith, and the pursuit of beauty. Gaston himself embodies the conflicts of his time, torn between his Huguenot upbringing and the allure of Catholicism. Pater's nuanced portrayal of Gaston's inner struggles and moral dilemmas adds depth to his character, making him relatable and engaging.

Moreover, Pater's incorporation of philosophical ideas and musings elevates the novel to a higher intellectual plane. Through Gaston's encounters with various philosophers, theologians, and scholars, Pater invites readers to contemplate questions of existence, art, and the nature of beauty. While these philosophical interludes may be dense at times, they add a layer of intellectual depth that sets this novel apart from traditional historical romances.

However, the nature of the novel being unfinished leaves readers longing for a more conclusive ending. The narrative builds up with a sense of impending climax that promises resolution, but abruptly leaves readers hanging. Though this may disappoint some readers, it is essential to recognize that the incomplete status of the book is no fault of Pater's, as it was published posthumously.

In the end, Gaston de Latour: An Unfinished Romance is a literary gem that showcases Walter Pater's artistry and intellectual prowess. Historical fiction enthusiasts, as well as those interested in profound philosophical contemplation, will appreciate the richness and depth of this work. Pater's meticulous attention to detail and his exploration of complex themes transport readers to 16th-century France, offering a fascinating glimpse into a captivating era filled with opulence, conflict, and profound existential questions.

First Page:

GASTON DE LATOUR: AN UNFINISHED ROMANCE WALTER PATER

1. A Clerk in Orders: 1 25

2. Our Lady's Church: 26 47

3. Modernity: 48 72

4. Peach Blossom and Wine: 73 90

5. Suspended Judgment: 91 115

6. Shadows of Events: 116 131

7. The Lower Pantheism: 132 end

I. A CLERK IN ORDERS

The white walls of the Château of Deux manoirs, with its precincts, composed, before its dismantling at the Revolution, the one prominent object which towards the southwest broke the pleasant level of La Beauce, the great corn land of central France. Abode in those days of the family of Latour, nesting there century after century, it recorded significantly the effectiveness of their brotherly union, less by way of invasion of the rights of others than by the improvement of all gentler sentiments within. From the sumptuous monuments of their last resting place, backwards to every object which had encircled them in that warmer and more lightsome home it was visible they had cared for so much, even in some peculiarities of the very ground plan of the house itself everywhere was the token of their anxious estimate of all those incidents of man's pathway through the world [2] which knit the wayfarers thereon most closely together.

Why this irregularity of ground plan? the traveller would ask; recognising indeed a certain distinction in its actual effect on the eye, and suspecting perhaps some conscious aim at such effect on the part of the builders of the place in an age indulgent of architectural caprices... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

eBook links
Wikipedia – Walter Pater
Wikipedia – Gaston de Latour; an unfinished romance

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac