Tancred; Or, The New Crusade

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

20004

Title

Tancred; Or, The New Crusade

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in 1840s Jerusalem and Lebanon, this historical romance blends political intrigue with romantic passion. Disraeli explores feudalism, religious conflict, and the struggle for national identity through the eyes of Tancred, a European nobleman navigating the complex politics of the Levant.

Summary up to 500 words

Benjamin Disraeli's *Tancred; Or, The New Crusade* is a historical romance that juxtaposes the high society of Victorian London with the volatile politics of mid-19th-century Lebanon and Jerusalem. The narrative begins in the genteel, yet morally complex, districts of May Fair, introducing the protagonist, Tancred, a young nobleman and aspiring chef who travels to the Middle East. Upon arrival, he becomes entangled in the intricate feudal system of the Lebanon, where power is held by local Emirs and Sheikhs rather than distant European powers. The story delves into the history of the Shehaab family and the civil war between the Christian Maronites and the Druse factions, highlighting the failure of European diplomacy to impose a stable government on a region defined by ancient tribal loyalties. Tancred's personal journey mirrors the political turmoil. He falls deeply in love with Eva, a woman of the land, representing a romantic ideal that transcends cultural and religious divides. His friend, Lord Montacute, becomes involved with the powerful Duchess of Bellamont, adding another layer of high-society intrigue. The plot weaves together scenes of lavish banquets, military skirmishes, and intense philosophical debates regarding faith, governance, and heroism. Disraeli uses the novel to critique the decline of feudalism and the limitations of European interventionism, arguing that local traditions and feudal rights often supersede imposed constitutional schemes. As civil war erupts, Tancred faces the difficult choice between his romantic ideals and the harsh realities of political survival. The novel serves as both a commentary on the complexities of international relations in the Ottoman Empire and a passionate tale of love. Through Tancred's experiences, Disraeli explores the tension between divine causes and worldly intrigues, ultimately suggesting that true heroism lies in navigating these conflicting demands with integrity and courage. The work stands as a significant piece of Victorian literature, blending historical detail with romantic sentiment to examine the nature of power and morality in a changing world.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Local file path

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Categories

• Religion
• Fiction