First published in 1845, Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s Zanoni is a classic Gothic occult novel. Set in 1789 during the French Revolution, the book follows the story of an immortal Rosicrucian brother whose origins trace back to ancient Chaldea. To gain immortality, Zanoni becomes an adept and forswears human love and passions. Centuries later, the immortal chooses, against the advice of his own master, falls in love with a mortal, Viola. Enter Glyndon who, himself, is torn between his own love for Viola and his desire to progress spirituality with Zanoni as his teacher.
In Zanoni, Bulwer-Lytton penetrates deep into the mysterious heart of 19th century Rosicrucianism. He exposes its secrets as he explores the path of occult aspiration through Glyndon and the title character. Zanoni is an influential work that had a lasting impact on later 19th and 20th century occult fiction. The work introduces the enigmatic Guardian of the Threshold that would later play a part in the works of Rudolf Steiner and others.
Edward George Earle Lytton Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton (1803–1873), was an English politician, poet, playwright, and prolific novelist. His other novels include the subterranean adventure VRIL, also available from Rebel Satori Press Bulwer-Lytton is credited with the famous opening line “It was a dark and stormy night”.
