King Candaules: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
King Candaules: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
King Candaules is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Gautier, Théophile (1811–1872). The listed translation credits are Hearn, Lafcadio (1850–1904).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"King Candaules" by Théophile Gautier is a historical novella written in the late 19th century. Set in ancient Lydia before the Trojan War, the story revolves around the exploits of King Candaules and his obsession with displaying the beauty of his wife, Queen Nyssia. The narrative explores themes of desire, jealousy, and the boundaries of intimacy as Candaules devises a plan that fundamentally alters the dynamics of love and honor. The opening of the tale establishes the atmosphere of anticipation surrounding a grand festival in Sardes, where Candaules is set to marry Nyssia, the daughter of a satrap. As the festivities unfold, we are introduced to Gyges, the king's chief guard, whose life becomes enmeshed in the intrigue of the royal family. Candaules, captivated by Nyssia's beauty, recounts her unmatched allure to Gyges and eventually reveals his desire to show her to him in a moment of intimacy. As Gyges grapples with the moral implications of witnessing Nyssia's nudity, the narrative heightens its tension, foreshadowing conflict and the complex interplay of admiration, possession, and betrayal that will follow.
Book and edition facts
- Title: King Candaules
- Author credits: Gautier, Théophile (1811–1872)
- Catalogue language: English
- Translator credits: Hearn, Lafcadio (1850–1904)
Catalogue subjects
- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: French Literature
- Category: Historical Novels
- Category: Novels
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.
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