Fortunatus by Dinah Mulock (1819)

Name: Fortunatus
Author: Dinah Mulock

In a wealthy household in Famagosta, Cyprus, Theodorus and his beautiful wife Graciana enjoy a life of luxury until Theodorus squanders their fortune on indulgence. Their son, Fortunatus, grows up amid their struggles and decides to seek his own fortune. He becomes a page to the Earl of Flanders, where he excels in tilting competitions, winning jewels and favor. However, jealousy leads him to flee, fearing for his life. Fortunatus discovers a magical purse that provides him with endless gold, allowing him to live extravagantly in Paris. After a year, he decides to visit his impoverished parents but finds them deceased. He marries Cassandra, the daughter of a Scottish lord, and they live happily, raising two sons. Longing for adventure, Fortunatus travels again, receiving a magical cap from a sultan that transports him anywhere he wishes. After many travels, he returns home, only to face the death of his beloved wife. As he ages, he imparts the secrets of the purse and cap to his sons before passing away. Fortunatus is buried alongside Cassandra, leaving behind a legacy of wealth and wisdom, while his sons are instructed to live in harmony and secrecy regarding their inherited fortunes.

By Dinah Mulock · First published 1819 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale · 4,460 words

First lines

In the city of Famagosta, in the island of Cyprus, there lived a very rich gentleman. His name was Theodorus: he married a lady who was the greatest beauty in Cyprus, and she was as rich as himself; she was called Graciana. They both had every pleasure that wealth could buy, and lived in the first style. Besides all this, the lady Graciana brought her husband a fine little son, who was named Fortunatus; so one would think nothing could have kept Theodorus from being the most happy person in the world. But this was not long the case; for when he had enjoyed all these pleasures for some time, he grew tired of them, and began to keep company with young noblemen of the court, with whom he sat up all night drinking and playing cards, so that in a few years he spent all his fortune. He was now very sorry for what he had done, but it was too late; and there was nothing he could do, but to work at some trade to support his wife and child.

What this Textopian page supports

Fortunatus is listed on Textopian as a short story by Dinah Mulock, dated 1819 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Dinah Mulock
Date: 1819 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale, Children's Literature
Length: 4,460 words
Structure: 1 section, 36 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The book revolves around the fantastical story of Fortunatus, who possesses a wishing hat and a purse of fortune, indicating fantastical elements.
Adventure — The story contains a series of adventures that the protagonist undertakes with his magical items.
Fairy Tale — The book's structure and style follow a traditional fairy tale narrative.
Children's Literature — The simplistic characters, magical elements and moral lessons align with the conventions of children's literature.