Babylon by George William Russell
Babylon is a novel written by George William Russell that tells the story of an Irishman who travels to Babylon in search of his lost love. The book explores themes of love, loss, and spirituality as the protagonist navigates through the ancient city's complex social and political landscape.
By George William Russell · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Fantasy, Historical Fiction · 282 words
First lines
The blue dusk ran between the streets; my love was winged within my mind; It left to-day and yesterday and thrice a thousand years behind.
To-day was past and dead for me for from to-day my feet had run Through thrice a thousand years to walk the ways of ancient Babylon.
On temple top and palace roof the burnished gold flung back the rays Of a red sunset that was dead and lost beyond a million days.
The tower of heaven turns darker blue; a starry sparkle now begins; The mystery and magnificence, the myriad beauty and the sins Come back to me. I walk beneath the shadowy multitude of towers; Within the gloom the fountain jets its pallid mist in lily flowers.
What this Textopian page supports
Babylon is listed on Textopian as a poem by George William Russell, dated 1902 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: George William Russell
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Romance, Mysticism
- Length: 282 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Babylon by George William Russell
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Babylon?
- How does this poem by George William Russell fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and imagery, characteristic of poetry.
- Fantasy — The narrative involves a dream-like journey through time and space, blending reality with fantastical elements.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and references to ancient Babylon suggest a historical context, though it is intertwined with fictional elements.
- Romance — The presence of a love interest and emotional connection is central to the narrative.
Tags
mythology · spirituality · philosophy · poetry · symbolism · dreams · urban life · cultural critique · imagination · transcendence · nature · mysticism