The Epicurean

1827 novel by Thomas Moore

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The Epicurean

Title page of the 1827 second edition

Author| Thomas Moore
Language| English
Genre| Historical fantasy
Set in| Egypt

Publication date

| 1827
Media type| Print

The Epicurean is a novel by Thomas Moore, published in 1827. It relates the story of Alciphron, leader of the Epicurean sect in Athens in the 3rd century AD, who is on a journey to Egypt to find the secret to immortality. Some editions of the book include etchings by J. M. W. Turner.[1]

The book purports to be a translation of an ancient, "curious Greek manuscript", found in the Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great in Egypt around 1800.

## Synopsis

[edit]

The narrative begins with Alciphron's election to the leadership of the "school" or "sect" of Epicurus. He has a flash of insight indicating to him that "eternal life" awaits him in Egypt. Unsure of its meaning, he decides to pursue this premonition.

He travels there and undergoes various adventures, including initiation into the mysteries of the state religion, in pursuit of the beautiful priestess Alethe. She, a crypto-Christian, escapes the mystery rites with Alciphron, and they journey together along the Nile into Upper Egypt, heading for a Christian monastery, which is run by a follower of Origen.

Alciphron endures initiation into the Christian religion in hopes of remaining with Alethe. An imperial edict soon establishes the persecution of all Christians who will not renounce their faith, and Alciphron's companions, including Alethe, are captured and killed.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Tate. "Study for 'The Chaplet' for Moore's 'The Epicurean', Joseph Mallord William Turner, c.1837–8". Tate. Retrieved 4 July 2022.

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Thomas Moore

Operas|

* The Gypsy Prince (1801)
* M.P. (1811)

Non-fiction|

* Memoirs of the Life of Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1825)

Novels|

* Memoirs of Captain Rock (1824)
* The Epicurean (1827)

Poetry|

* "The Minstrel Boy"
* The Last Rose of Summer (1805)
* "Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms" (1808)
* Lalla-Rookh (1817)
* The Fudge Family in Paris (1818)
* The Fudges in England (1835)

Authority control databases

International|

* VIAF
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National|

* Germany

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