Cities of the Dawn
 Naples - Athens - Pompeii - Constantinople - Smyrna - Jaffa - Jerusalem - Alexandria - Cairo - Marseilles - Avignon - Lyons - Dijon

by J. Ewing (James Ewing) Ritchie

"Cities of the Dawn" by J. Ewing Ritchie is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative begins in the early 1800s and revolves around two travelers making their way through France. The focal point appears to be on their journey, as well as the social and political landscape of the time, hinting at underlying tensions and mysteries related to the historical context of the French Revolution and its aftermath. The opening of the narrative introduces us to the characters of two travelers who are navigating the landscape of post-revolutionary France. They arrive in a small town and engage with the local innkeeper, who seems to be aware of the dangers that lurk in the surrounding regions. The travelers, while initially focused on their immediate needs—their hunger and thirst—become embroiled in discussions about their continuing journey toward Mirecourt, a location that appears to carry with it a sense of foreboding. As they converse, elements of camaraderie and a hint of intimacy are established, particularly in the exchange between one traveler—identified as Philippe Hattier—and the mysterious marquis, signaling that their fates may be intertwined in ways they do not yet realize. This sets the stage for a tale steeped in suspense, mystery, and the consequences of the political upheaval affecting their lives.