Pausanias, the Spartan; The Haunted and the Haunters An Unfinished Historical Romance

"Pausanias, the Spartan; The Haunted and the Haunters" by the late Lord Lytton is an unfinished historical romance likely written in the late 19th century. The narrative revolves around Pausanias, the Regent of Sparta, exploring his complex character as he navigates the political intrigue and moral dilemmas of his time, highlighting his relationships and ambitions against the backdrop of ancient Greek history. At the start of this work, we are introduced to a rich tapestry of characters and settings. Two Athenian leaders, Aristides and Cimon, stand on the quays of Byzantium, observing Pausanias' lavish galley as the once-honorable Spartan begins to embrace the decadence associated with Persian influence. Cimon expresses shame for Pausanias’ perceived degeneration, while Aristides views his behavior as a potential disaster for Sparta that may benefit Athens. The tale unfolds with themes of rivalry and romance, particularly focusing on Pausanias’ tragic love for Cleonice, a Byzantine maiden, as the narrative hints at the darker supernatural elements that will haunt both Pausanias and the people around him. The opening chapters set the stage for intense political machinations, personal conflicts, and the haunting consequences of passion and ambition, making it clear that this historical romance is as much about human nature as it is about the events of the past. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Edward George Earle Lytton Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton,, was an English writer and politician. He served as a Whig member of Parliament from 1831 to 1841 and a Conservative from 1851 to 1866. He was Secretary of State for the Colonies from June 1858 to June 1859, choosing Richard Clement Moody as founder of British Columbia. He was created Baron Lytton of Knebworth in 1866.