One of Cleopatra's Nights and Other Fantastic Romances

Théophile Gautier's 'One of Cleopatra's Nights and Other Fantastic Romances' stands as a testament to the author's fascination with the exotic and the supernatural. In its pages, readers will find a blend of rich historical textures and a penchant for the fantastical that is characteristic of Gautier's aestheticism. Gautier's prose, as presented in this DigiCat edition, wraps the innovative narratives with a luxuriousness that belies the work's original mid-19th century context, exhibiting a blend of romanticism and the nascent symbolism that would influence later literary movements. The tales within offer a window to another world, one where the vividly portrayed past and the surreal coalesce, delivering an experience that captivates and transports the reader beyond the mundane.

Théophile Gautier was a writer of multifaceted talent whose works have left an indelible mark on French literature. His literary journey often sought the beautiful and the ideal, traits which are reflected throughout his fiction. Gautier's writing was a rebellion against the didacticism of literature in his time, aiming instead to pursue art for art's sake. This collection likely emerged from Gautier's personal yearnings and his inquisitive nature, merging his travel experiences and his love for history with his creative impulses.

This DigiCat edition is a summoning for those who revel in the allure of ancient times and the enchantment of the imagined. 'One of Cleopatra's Nights and Other Fantastic Romances' calls to the modern reader who appreciates literary craft that transcends historical boundaries. It is a recommended addition for connoisseurs of classic literature who are eager to explore the works which have shaped the canon and continue to influence writers and readers alike.

Théophile Gautier (1811–1872) was a prolific French poet, dramatist, novelist, journalist, and art and literary critic. He is often remembered for his principle of 'art for art's sake,' which suggests that the intrinsic value of art, and the only 'true' art, is divorced from any didactic, moral, or utilitarian function. Gautier's literary style is characterized by his vivid imagination, sensuousness, and an appreciation for the exotic and beautiful, all of which can be seen in his collection of short stories 'One of Cleopatra's Nights and Other Fantastic Romances' (originally 'Une nuit de Cléopâtre et autres nouvelles fantastiques'). Within this collection, readers find a showcase of Gautier's narrative flair, ornamented prose, and fascination with the ancient world and supernatural elements. His writing not only exemplifies the Romantic aesthetic—the elevation of passion, nature, and the sublime—but also foreshadows Symbolist and Decadent literary movements with its emphasis on aestheticism and detachment from the bourgeois society. Although not as well known today as some of his contemporaries, Gautier's work remains influential; it reveals the transition in French literature from Romanticism to Modernism and continues to captivate readers with its opulent detail and imaginative vibrancy.