£12
ISBN: 978-1-905335-02-2

The famous historical novel of two lovers in 15th-century Europe.

‘The Cloister and the Hearth' was once regarded as the greatest historical novel ever written. Set at the time Europe was moving out of the Middle Ages into the new world of humanism and science, it tells the story of the star-crossed lovers Gerard and Margaret. Many people have selfish reasons for breaking up their relationship; and Gerard is forced to leave his native Holland. He sets off on an exciting journey through France, Germany and Italy - dreaming always of the day he will return to his beloved Margaret.

For a while their enemies keep Gerard and Margaret apart, but at last they find happiness - of a kind. Their son, destined to be the great philosopher and writer Erasmus, will one day be the harbinger of the new Europe.

Charles Reade, a leading writer of the 19th century, based his novels on detailed research, giving them today a fascinating air of realism. Many of his books took up controversial social themes: the scandal of private madhouses, the abuse of prisoners, or married women’s rights.