
A richly imagined romance unfurls in a secluded valley where the goddess Venus holds court, her realm a blend of sensual allure and ancient mystery. The prose sweeps readers through moon‑lit groves and echoing halls, inviting them to taste the intoxicating blend of mythic grandeur and intimate yearning that defines the novel’s atmosphere.
At its heart is the wandering minstrel Tannhäuser, whose encounter with the divine temptress sets him on a path of both desire and doubt. As he wrestles with his own longing, he embarks on a pilgrimage toward Rome, seeking penitence and a deeper sense of purpose. The story’s early chapters balance lyrical passion with a probing exploration of conscience, promising a journey that is as much about inner transformation as it is about the seductive pull of the sacred hill.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (65K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Marc D'Hooghe (Images generously made available by the Bodleian Library in Oxford.
Release date
2015-10-14
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1872–1898
Known for bold black-and-white drawings that helped define the 1890s Aesthetic movement, this English illustrator brought wit, elegance, and a touch of scandal to books, magazines, and the stage. His career was brief, but images for works like Salomé and The Yellow Book made him one of the most memorable artists of the fin de siècle.
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