Cover of Famous Affinities of History: The Romance of Devotion. Vol 1-4, Complete

Famous Affinities of History: The Romance of Devotion. Vol 1-4, Complete

  • Free to read
  • 9 hours to read
  • 35 chapters
  • Reading level: 8th & 9th grade

"Famous Affinities of History: The Romance of Devotion" by Lyndon Orr is a historical account written during the late 19th century. The work explores the romantic relationships between notable historical figures, using their stories to illustrate themes of passion and devotion that transcend time. Noteworthy subjects include the infamous love affair between Antony and Cleopatra, as well as the intricate dynamics between Abelard and Heloise. The opening of the book dives into the legendary romance of Antony and Cleopatra, presenting it as a quintessential tale of love and sacrifice that has captivated imaginations for centuries. The narrative discusses how Antony, a powerful Roman triumvir, forsook his command to chase after Cleopatra, the enchanting queen of Egypt. The text outlines the historical significance of their love, portraying both characters as complex figures driven by their deep emotional connections, yet it also raises questions about ambition and the consequences of their choices. Through rich descriptions of their lives and the cultural milieu of Alexandria, Orr sets the stage for a detailed examination of the forces that shape human relationships throughout history.

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  • Biography
  • Love
  • Women · Biography

Read the opening

The Story of Antony and Cleopatra

Of all love stories that are known to human history, the love story of Antony and Cleopatra has been for nineteen centuries the most remarkable. It has tasked the resources of the plastic and the graphic arts. It has been made the theme of poets and of prose narrators. It has appeared and reappeared in a thousand forms, and it appeals as much to the imagination to-day as it did when Antony deserted his almost victorious troops and hastened in a swift galley from Actium in pursuit of Cleopatra.

The wonder of the story is explained by its extraordinary nature. Many men in private life have lost fortune and fame for the love of woman. Kings have incurred the odium of their people, and have cared nothing for it in comparison with the joys of sense that come from the lingering caresses and clinging kisses. Cold-blooded statesmen, such as Parnell, have lost the leadership of their party and have gone down in history with a clouded name because of the fascination exercised upon them by some woman, often far from beautiful, and yet possessing the mysterious power which makes the triumphs of statesmanship seem slight in comparison with the swiftly flying hours of pleasure.

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Contents

Show all 35 chapters
  1. The Story of Antony and Cleopatra
  2. Abelard and Heloise
  3. Queen Elizabeth and the Earl of Leicester
  4. Mary Queen of Scots and Lord Bothwell
  5. Queen Christina of Sweden and the Marquis Monaldeschi
  6. King Charles Ii. And Nell Gwyn
  7. Maurice of Saxony and Adrienne Lecouvreur
  8. The Story of Prince Charles Edward Stuart
  9. The Empress Catharine and Prince Potemkin
  10. Marie Antoinette and Count Fersen
  11. The Story of Aaron Burr
  12. George Iv. And Mrs. Fitzherbert
  13. Charlotte Corday and Adam Lux
  14. Napoleon and Marie Walewska
  15. The Story of Pauline Bonaparte
  16. The Story of the Empress Marie Louise and Count Neipperg
  17. The Wives of General Houston
  18. Lola Montez and King Ludwig of Bavaria
  19. Leon Gambetta and Leonie Leon
  20. Lady Blessington and Count D'orsay
  21. Byron and the Countess Guiccioli
  22. The Story of Mme. De Stael
  23. The Story of Karl Marx
  24. Ferdinand Lassalle and Helene Von Donniges
  25. The Story of Rachel
  26. Dean Swift and the Two Esthers
  27. Percy Bysshe Shelley and Mary Godwin
  28. Shelley and Mary Godwin
  29. The Story of the Carlyles
  30. Goody, Goody, Dear Goody
  31. The Story of the Hugos
  32. The Story of George Sand
  33. The Mystery of Charles Dickens
  34. Honore De Balzac and Evelina Hanska
  35. Charles Reade and Laura Seymour

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About this edition

This free edition of Famous Affinities of History: The Romance of Devotion. Vol 1-4, Complete by Lyndon Orr comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #4693, released 2003-11-01. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Romance, History - Other.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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