Zanoni

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Zanoni is an 1842 book by Edward Bulwer-Lytton that tells a complicated story of love and occult aspiration. There are three plots that are interlaced with the story of Zanoni.

The first 60 pages give few clues to the fascinating mysteries revealed later in the book. It takes a little time to get used to the Victorian style. The book is very descriptive and many who have read it find it wordy.

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

Zanoni is one of two remaining initaites from an ancient Chaldean brotherhood. Both Zanoni and Mejnour have lived for centuries as they have wrought the secrets of eternal life from nature.

Zanoni is a personification of youth. Always looking young, fashionable, intelligent, and always ready for adventure, Zanoni falls in love with a young Italian opera singer who has captured the hearts of her audiences. The first part of the novel deals with his courtship and their life together. At the same time a young courtier, Clindon, learns of Zanoni's occult abilities and applies to become a neophyte. Zanoni is not interested in teaching so he sends Clindon to Mejnour. Mejnour is a recluse living in an old castle hidden in a foreboding forest. He takes on Clindon and initiates into the mysteries of herbs and various occult experitments.

[edit] References in popular culture

Ojisan Zanoni is a novel by Michael C. Willey published by Matador in 2006. Its characters include the the timeless Zanoni, a herbalist and magician, who is based loosely upon Bulwer-Lytton's creation.