The Near East by Robert Hichens

Name: The Near East
Author: Robert Hichens

"The Near East" by Robert Hichens is a travel narrative that explores the beauty and cultural richness of the Dalmatian coast and Greece. The author describes his journey through picturesque towns such as Zara, Spalato, and Ragusa, highlighting their unique charm, historical significance, and the vibrant life of their inhabitants. Hichens captures the serene atmosphere of Dalmatia, contrasting it with the bustling energy of cities like Spalato, while also reflecting on the remnants of ancient civilizations, particularly in Athens. The narrative emphasizes the interplay between nature and architecture, the warmth of local culture, and the profound historical legacy of the region, ultimately portraying a land steeped in beauty and history.

By Robert Hichens · First published 1910 · Genre: Travel Literature, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 6 chapters · 50,481 words

First lines

Miramar faded across the pale waters of the Adriatic, which lay like a dream at the foot of the hills where Triest seemed sleeping, all its activities stilled at the summons of peace. Beneath its tower the orange-colored sail of a fishing-boat caught the sunlight, and gleamed like some precious fabric, then faded, too, as the ship moved onward to the forgotten region of rocks and islands, of long, gray mountains, of little cities and ancient fortresses, of dim old churches, from whose campanile the medieval voices of bells ring out the angelus to a people still happily primitive, still unashamed to be picturesque. By the way of the sea we journeyed to a capital where no carriages roll through the narrow streets, where there is not a railway-station, where the citizens are content to go on foot about their business, and where three quarters of the blessings of civilization are blessedly unknown. We had still to touch at Pola, in whose great harbor the dull-green war-ships of Austria lay almost in the shadow of the vast Roman amphitheater, which has lifted its white walls, touched here and there with gold, above the sea for some sixteen hundred years, curiously graceful despite its gigantic bulk, the home now of grasses and thistles, where twenty thousand spectators used to assemble to take their pleasure.

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The Near East is listed on Textopian as a novel by Robert Hichens, dated 1910 CE.

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

Work type: Novel
Author: Robert Hichens
Date: 1910 CE
Language: English
Genres: Travel Literature, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance, Cultural Commentary
Length: 50,481 words
Structure: 6 chapters, 260 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Travel Literature — The book explores the landscapes, cultures, and experiences of the Near East, characteristic of travel writing.
Historical Fiction — It incorporates historical contexts and settings relevant to the Near East, blending fact with narrative.
Adventure — The narrative includes elements of exploration and personal journeys typical of adventure stories.
Romance — Themes of love and relationships are woven into the plot, common in romantic literature.