Edwin Lester Arnold
The Wonderful Adventures of Phra the Phoenician
"The Wonderful Adventures of Phra the Phoenician" by Edwin Lester Arnold is a historical romance novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows the remarkable and reincarnated adventures of Phra, a Phoenician merchant, as he traverses different lives and eras, witnessing the rise and fall of civilizations over a thousand years. The narrative is woven around his encounters with various cultures, his quest for identity, and his enduring connection to a fierce British princess named Blodwen. At the start of the tale, Phra introduces himself as someone who has lived for over a millennium, and he reflects on his past adventures, primarily during his time as a Phoenician trader. The opening portion elaborates on his early life in the ancient city of Tyre, where his yearning for adventure leads him to set sail for trade across the Mediterranean. He encounters pirates, participates in the lively commerce of the time, and eventually purchases a beautiful red-haired slave, Blodwen, whose presence will significantly impact his extraordinary journey. As the narrative unfolds, it hints at the deep connections forged through love and loss, setting the stage for an epic saga filled with intrigue, historical context, and metaphysical themes of reincarnation and destiny.