The valley of eyes unseen

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

76222

Title

The valley of eyes unseen

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A thrilling mystery set in early 20th-century China, this novel follows scholar Hugh Jevons as he investigates the mysterious death of his friend, the renowned orientalist Ronald Mirlees. Blending adventure, supernatural intrigue, and historical speculation, the story delves into secret societies, ancient legends, and a hidden valley where a lost race preserves the ideals of Alexander the Great. With a tone of suspense and wonder, it invites readers to question history and explore the unknown depths of Asia.

Summary up to 500 words

In Gilbert Collins' *The Valley of Eyes Unseen*, the narrative unfolds through the manuscript of the late scholar Ronald Mirlees, entrusted to his friend Hugh Jevons after Mirlees' mysterious death in Shanghai. The story recounts Mirlees' perilous expedition to a remote Buddhist temple, where he and his companion, Stephen Poyning, narrowly escaped assassination by a cunning priest while seeking a hidden cache of gems. Following this, Mirlees returned to Shanghai, only to die under baffling circumstances that fueled rumors of supernatural forces or secret organizations hunting him. The manuscript reveals the existence of a legendary valley beyond the mountains of Tibet, home to a secluded people claiming descent from Alexander the Great and his faithful followers. These inhabitants possess extraordinary abilities, including flight and mind control, and live in harmony, preserving a vision of East-West unity. The narrative details encounters with the valley's rulers, including the reincarnated Alexander, now known as Philipson, and the enigmatic Princess Euphrosune. Through a series of adventures, including a dramatic flight over the city and a rescue by the princess, the protagonists witness the valley's advanced civilization. The story explores themes of historical revisionism, the clash between scientific rationality and mystical belief, and the enduring quest for truth. Mirlees' death is attributed to a combination of assassination attempts by hostile secret societies and perhaps the mental forces he encountered in the valley. Jevons ultimately decides to publish Mirlees' manuscript, believing that the world is on the brink of discovering this hidden civilization through modern air travel. The novel concludes with a reflection on Mirlees' legacy and the hope that the secrets of the valley will inspire greater understanding and peace between peoples.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/76222.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg76222.epub

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Categories

• Adventure
• Science Fiction
• China -- Fiction
• Tibet -- Fiction