Pharos, The Egyptian: A Romance

by Guy Boothby

"Pharos, The Egyptian: A Romance" by Guy Boothby is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Cyril Forrester, an artist whose life becomes entangled with the mysterious and sinister figure of Pharos, an Egyptian who embodies darkness and manipulation. The narrative explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the supernatural against a backdrop of intrigue and moral conflict. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Sir William Betford, who receives an unexpected visit from a man named Honoré de Silva, who delivers a cryptic packet from Forrester. This leads to a letter revealing the tragic circumstances that prompted Forrester to leave England. When we delve into Forrester's account, he recounts a series of fateful events, including an encounter with a drowning man and a subsequent meeting with Pharos, who exudes an unsettling influence over him. As the narrative unfolds, Forrester’s past and the dark connections to his family come to the fore, setting the stage for a tale filled with suspense, mystery, and existential dread.