The Martian: A Novel

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27400

Title

The Martian: A Novel

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A whimsical biography of the legendary artist Barty Josselin, told by his devoted friend Robert Maurice. Blending humor, satire, and profound insight, this novel explores themes of genius, mortality, and the enduring power of art. With richly drawn characters and a unique narrative voice, it offers a charming yet critical look at Victorian society and the nature of creativity.

Summary up to 500 words

George du Maurier's *The Martian* presents a biography of Barty Josselin, written by his lifelong friend and confidant, Robert Maurice. Framed as a quest to reveal the 'absolute truth' behind a figure who has been simultaneously idealized as a saint and caricatured as a buffoon, the narrative explores Josselin's profound impact on humanity. Maurice, a self-described tradesman and politician, undertakes this task with a sense of sacred duty, promising to strip away the myths and pretensions that have surrounded Josselin's name. The story delves into Josselin's life as a man of genuine vitality, devoid of cynicism or bitterness. Despite his immense literary genius and the fame that brought him, Josselin remained humble, often feeling like a fraud among the elite literary circles. He possessed a unique ability to connect with people, inspiring affection and changing lives through his writings and illustrations. His work is credited with restoring faith in immortality, transforming death from a terrifying end into a benign transition, and building a bridge between science and faith. Furthermore, Josselin's influence is depicted as having eradicated cruelty in sport and improved the physical and moral health of his contemporaries. A fantastical element is introduced through Martia, a dream-like figure representing Josselin's subconscious. Martia challenges the boundaries between reality and imagination, suggesting that Josselin's genius might have operated through a dual existence where his sleeping mind dictated extraordinary events. While some view Martia as a mere invention of an active brain, the narrative leaves the phenomenon open to interpretation, emphasizing Josselin's inexplicable influence on the world. Maurice's tone oscillates between affectionate admiration and sharp, witty satire. He critiques the 'decadents' and the 'grubs of Grub Street,' contrasting their pretension and degeneracy with Josselin's open-handed generosity and simplicity. The novel is structured into parts covering various episodes of Josselin's life, from his school days to his interactions with high society. Ultimately, the book portrays Josselin as a timeless figure whose legacy of kindness, humor, and artistic brilliance continues to inspire, proving that true greatness lies not just in one's works but in the capacity to uplift others.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg27400.epub

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2026-07-04 04:38 UTC

Categories

• Adventure
• Fiction
• Science Fiction