The Cloister and the Health or Maid, Wife, and Widow: A Matter-Of-Fact Romance (1861)

The Cloister and the Hearth or Maid, Wife, and Widow: A Matter-Of-Fact Romance (1861) by Charles Reade is a historical fiction novel set in the 15th century. The story follows the life of Gerard Eliassoen, a young man who leaves his home in Holland to pursue his dream of becoming a painter. Along the way, he falls in love with a young woman named Margaret Brandt, who he meets at a cloister.Gerard's journey takes him through various cities and countries, as he encounters a range of characters, including artists, scholars, and merchants. He also faces many challenges, including poverty, illness, and betrayal. Despite these obstacles, Gerard remains determined to achieve his goals and win Margaret's heart.The novel explores themes of love, family, religion, and the pursuit of knowledge. It also provides a detailed and vivid portrayal of life in the 15th century, including the customs, beliefs, and social structures of the time. The Cloister and the Hearth is considered one of Reade's most significant works, and it has been praised for its historical accuracy, engaging plot, and complex characters.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.