The Infant's Skull; Or, The End of the World. A Tale of the Millennium

"The Infant's Skull; Or, The End of the World. A Tale of the Millennium" by Eugene Sue is a historical novel written in the early 20th century, translated from French. The narrative appears to explore themes of love, betrayal, and the societal impacts of apocalyptic beliefs, particularly focused around the year 1000. The story begins with the complex relationship between Hugh the Capet and Blanche, the Queen, as they navigate love, desire, and the foreboding notion of the world's end. The opening of the tale introduces a secluded meeting between Blanche and Hugh, where their passionate exchanges are juxtaposed with the ominous prediction of the world’s end in fourteen years. As their conversation unfolds, tensions rise regarding their respective marriages and the potential for betrayal. Simultaneously, we are introduced to Yvon, a serf perceived as an idiot, whose life intertwines with the royal intrigues in the castle of Compiegne. His simple yet tragic existence foreshadows the broader themes of social hierarchy and the impending turmoil that will result from the intersection of personal and political conflicts amidst the looming dread of an apocalyptic prophecy. The initial chapters lay a foundation for a rich tapestry of narrative threads that promise both intrigue and historical reflection. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Marie-Joseph "Eugène" Sue was a French novelist. He was one of several authors who popularized the genre of the serial novel in France with his very popular and widely imitated The Mysteries of Paris, which was published in a newspaper from 1842 to 1843.