The Cloister & The Hearth
By Charles Reade
Published by Collins Clear Type Press: London c1945 (undated)
Carries A Prize Plate From The Scots College, Sydney Dated 1947
"Charles Reade's The Cloister and the Hearth is one of the great historical romances of the Victorian era, blending scholarship, adventure and emotional depth in a sweeping narrative set during the late Middle Ages. Following the journey of Gerard Eliassoen—a young scholar torn between the sanctity of the cloister and his love for the spirited Margaret—Reade recreates 15th-century Europe with remarkable colour and authenticity. The novel moves through monasteries, universities, pilgrim roads and bustling cities, exploring themes of duty, faith and human resilience. Its powerful characterisation and vivid period detail have long secured its reputation as Reade's masterpiece and a cornerstone of 19th-century historical fiction.
This Collins Clear-Type Press edition, published circa 1945, presents the work in an attractive Library of Classics format and includes a frontispiece illustration that enhances the book's period charm. The volume carries a distinguished prize plate from The Scots College, Sydney, awarded in 1947—an appealing provenance feature that speaks to the book's educational and literary value in mid-20th-century Australia. A well-preserved example such as this would suit collectors of classic literature, Victorian historical novels and school prize bindings from notable Australian institutions."
Light wear and fading to covers and spine as shown. Neat prize plate otherwise an unmarked copy. Frontis present. Pages clean and well presented. An excellent copy in very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
