
A bold experiment in storytelling, this work weaves together deep philosophical reflection and the sweeping imagination of romantic literature. Drawing on the ideas of a celebrated French thinker, it examines the three distinct “lives” that compose human existence—animal instinct, conscious will, and a higher spiritual yearning. The author invites listeners to contemplate how these layers interact, suggesting that true fulfillment lies beyond ordinary happiness and intellect.
Set against a backdrop of supernatural intrigue, the narrative follows a bewildered protagonist whose journey mirrors the philosopher’s quest for a unifying truth. Borrowing from the grand traditions of epic and drama, the tale employs marvelous occurrences and uncanny forces to illuminate the hidden dimensions of the soul. As the hero ventures deeper into this strange world, the story balances wonder with serious meditation, offering a rich, thought‑provoking experience that rewards both the mind and the imagination.
Language
en
Duration
~18 hours (1039K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Andrew Heath and David Widger
Release date
2004-11-26
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1803–1873
Best remembered for vivid historical and supernatural fiction, this prolific Victorian writer also left a surprising mark on everyday language with phrases that people still quote today. His stories mix drama, mystery, politics, and the occult in a way that helped shape popular fiction in the 19th century.
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