
Mature
Rienzi, Last of the Roman Tribunes
Enriched edition. A Tale of Political Turmoil and Redemption in Ancient RomeBy Edward Bulwer-LyttonLength20h 36m
About this audiobook
In "Rienzi, Last of the Roman Tribunes," Edward Bulwer-Lytton intricately weaves historical fiction with romantic elements, presenting a vivid portrayal of Cola di Rienzo, a 14th-century Roman leader. The novel explores themes of power, ambition, and the social turmoil of medieval Rome, capturing the complexity of its characters amidst the backdrop of political strife. Bulwer-Lytton's lyrical prose is marked by its dramatic dialogue and rich descriptions, emulating the grand style of the Romantic period while echoing the struggle for personal and civic freedom. Edward Bulwer-Lytton, a prominent figure of Victorian literature, was renowned for his ability to blend adventure with social commentary. His fascination with history and politics, likely influenced by his own experiences as a Member of Parliament, informed his conception of Rienzi as a tragic hero'—a visionary beset by the weight of his aspirations. Bulwer-Lytton's work often reflects his belief in the power of leadership and the impact of individual choices on the course of history, making this novel a fitting exploration of these themes. Readers seeking a narrative rich in historical detail and emotional depth will find "Rienzi, Last of the Roman Tribunes" a compelling read. Bulwer-Lytton's masterful storytelling beckons those interested in the interplay of history and myth, making it an essential addition to the canon of historical literature.
In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenreHistorical Fiction, General Fiction
Length20 hrs 36 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateDec 15, 2023
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
45Chapter IV. The Hollowness of the Base.
2Introduction
46Chapter V. The Rottenness of the Edifice.
3Synopsis
47Chapter VI. The Fall of the Temple.
4Historical Context
48Chapter VII. The Successors of an Unsuccessful Revolution—Who is to Blame—the Forsaken one or the Forsakers?
5Preface to the First Edition of Rienzi.
49Book VI. The Plague.
Show all chaptersShow less
6Preface to the Present Edition, 1848.
50Chapter 1. The Retreat of the Lover.
7Book I. The Time, The Place, and The Men.
51Chapter II. The Seeker.
8Chapter I. The Brothers.
52Chapter III. The Flowers Amidst the Tombs.
9Chapter II. An Historical Survey—not to Be Passed Over, Except by
53Chapter IV. We Obtain What We Seek, and Know it Not.
10Chapter III. The Brawl.
54Chapter V. The Error.
11Chapter IV. An Adventure.
55Book VII. The Prison.
12Chapter V. The Description of a Conspirator, and the Dawn of the Conspiracy.
56Chapter I. Avignon.—The Two Pages.—The Stranger Beauty.
13Chapter VI. Irene in the Palace of Adrian di Castello.
57Chapter II. The Character of a Warrior Priest—an Interview—the Intrigue and Counter-intrigue of Courts.
14Chapter VII. Upon Love and Lovers.
58Chapter III. Holy Men.—Sagacious Deliberations.—Just Resolves.—And Sordid Motives to All.
15Chapter VIII. The Enthusiastic Man Judged by the Discreet Man.
59Chapter IV. The Lady and the Page.
16Chapter IX. “When the People Saw this Picture, Every One Marvelled.”
60Chapter V. The Inmate of the Tower.
17Chapter X. A Rough Spirit Raised, Which May Hereafter Rend the Wizard.
61Chapter VI. The Scent Does Not Lie.—The Priest and the Soldier.
18Chapter XI. Nina di Raselli.
62Chapter VII. Vaucluse and its Genius Loci.—Old Acquaintance Renewed.
19Chapter XII. The Strange Adventures that Befel Walter de Montreal.
63Chapter VIII. The Crowd.—The Trial.—The Verdict.—The Soldier and the Page.
20Book II. The Revolution
64Chapter IX. Albornoz and Nina.
21Chapter I. The Knight of Provence, and his Proposal.
65Book VIII. The Grand Company.
22Chapter II. The Interview, and the Doubt.
66Chapter I. The Encampment.
23Chapter III. The Situation of a Popular Patrician in Times of Popular Discontent.—Scene of the Lateran.
67Chapter II. Adrian Once More the Guest of Montreal.
24Chapter IV. The Ambitious Citizen, and the Ambitious Soldier.
68Chapter III. Faithful and Ill-fated Love.—The Aspirations Survive the Affections.
25Chapter V. The Procession of the Barons.—The Beginning of the End.
69Book IX. The Return.
26Chapter VI. The Conspirator Becomes the Magistrate.
70Chapter I. The Triumphal Entrance.
27Chapter VII. Looking after the Halter when the Mare is Stolen.
71Chapter II. The Masquerade.
28Chapter VIII. The Attack—the Retreat—the Election—and the Adhesion.
72Chapter III. Adrian’s Adventures at Palestrina.
29Book III. The Freedom Without Law.
73Chapter IV. The Position of the Senator.—The Work of Years.—The Rewards of Ambition.
30Chapter I. The Return of Walter de Montreal to his Fortress.
74Chapter V. The Biter Bit.
31Chapter II. The Life of Love and War—the Messenger of Peace—the Joust.
75Chapter VI. The Events Gather to the End.
32Chapter III. The Conversation between the Roman and the Provencal—Adeline’s History—the Moonlit Sea—the Lute and the Song.
76Book X. The Lion of Basalt.
33Book IV. The Triumph and the Pomp.
77Chapter I. The Conjunction of Hostile Planets in the House of Death.
34Chapter I. The Boy Angelo—the Dream of Nina Fulfilled.
78Chapter II. Montreal at Rome.—His Reception of Angelo Villani.
35Chapter II. The Blessing of A Councillor Whose Interests and Heart Are Our Own.—the Straws Thrown Upward—Do They Portend A Storm.
79Chapter III. Montreal’s Banquet.
36Chapter III. The Actor Unmasked.
80Chapter IV. The Sentence of Walter de Montreal.
37Chapter IV. The Enemy’s Camp.
81Chapter V. The Discovery.
38Chapter V. The Night and its Incidents.
82Chapter VI. The Suspense.
39Chapter VI. The Celebrated Citation.
83Chapter VII. The Tax.
40Chapter VII. The Festival.
84Chapter VIII. The Threshold of the Event.
41Book V. The Crisis.
85Chapter The Last. The Close of the Chase.
42Chapter I. The Judgment of the Tribune.
86Analysis
43Chapter II. The Flight.
87Reflection
44Chapter III. The Battle.
88Memorable Quotes