Mika Waltari was a prolific Finnish author whose works delve into profound themes of the human condition across diverse historical epochs. His historical novels, often set in ancient civilizations, masterfully explore universal human dilemmas, such as the corruption of humanist values in a materialist world and the enduring tension between faith and skepticism. Waltari's distinctive style is characterized by compelling narrative and a remarkable ability to bring the past vividly to life for contemporary readers. Through his extensive and varied literary output, he has left an indelible mark on global literature.
Set in Egypt, more than a thousand years before Christ, it encompasses all of the then-known world. It is told by Sinhue, physician to the Pharaoh Akhenaton, and is the story of his life. Through his eyes are seen innumerable characters, fully drawn and covering the whole panorama of the ancient world.
First published in 1956, the novel Etruscan by Finnish author Mika Waltari begins around 480 B.C., and the story takes us on the spiritual journey of a young man named Lars Turms as he adventures through Ancient Greece to Sicily, Rome and, finally, Tuscany, searching for the meaning of life. He gradually becomes aware of his immortality and his duties to the future. Although set in ancient civilization, the book poses many of life's existential questions asked to this day, and the reader will find timeless answers to these timeless questions through the main character. Lars Turm's troubles begin after having abducted Arsinoe, the wanton priestess of Eryx, as he followed her to whatever lands promised her wealth and luxury. But when she falls in love with another, he is forced to flee... and find a destiny beyond his wildest expectations and powers.
Publisher's Summary The world of ancient Egypt springs magnificently to life in this astonishing historical novel of love, war, political intrigue, and religious revolution. Told from the first person point of view, it is the story of Sinuhe, physician to the royal court of Pharaoh Amenhotep III and his successors in the middle of the tumultuous 14th century B.C. From his exalted position, Sinuhe was able to observe and participate in some of the most intimate and important decisions that affected the powerful Egyptian kingdom of the 18th Dynasty during a very troubled period of its history. Waltari brilliantly captures the life and rhythms of the ancient world as it was 3,400 years ago. When Sinuhe is sent as envoy to various foreign courts, including Babylon, Syria, and Crete, he encounters strange people with even stranger customs and beliefs. But Sinuhe is a tortured soul, a man who has been in love many times, and always to his sorrow. He travels to forget. Based on actual historical events, Sinuhe encounters many of the real life characters who are familiar to many: Pharaoh Akhnaton, Queen Nefertiti, Tutankhamon, and the ruthless Horemheb...all real people whose lives, images, and stories are known to us from stone engravings, sculpture, and papyrus chronicles brought to light by modern archaeology. Follow along on a journey down the ancient Nile to a time of mysterious religions, beautiful palaces, and squalid urban life...to a time of spiritual and political passions that threatened to overwhelm an entire kingdom. The Egyptian: Volume 1 begins with the story of Sinuhe's youth and education, his first love affair and the disaster that follows. We follow Sinuhe on his dangerous journey to the north, into the lands of Syria, Babylon, and Crete where he encounters new ways of thinking, new religions, barbaric customs and refined luxuries. And where he again finds love. The volume ends with Sinuhe's return to an Egypt seething with revolt. Don't miss Volume 2 of The Egyptian. ©1945 Estate of Mika Waltari; (P)2004 Audio Connoisseur
Deutsche Übersetzung von Joachim A. Frank
Ein spannender und phantastischer Roman, der den Leser ins 16. Jahrhundert entführt, als Christen und Mohammedaner in Europa und dem Nahen Osten um die Vorherrschaft ringen. Die prachtvollen Städte Wien, Konstantinopel, Aleppo und Bagdad werden lebendig, mit all ihrer Leichtlebigkeit und Verderbtheit. Die beiden Helden, Michael und Antti, begeben sich auf eine Pilgerfahrt ins Heilige Land von Venedig aus. Doch ihr Schiff wird von islamischen Piraten gekapert, und um dem Tod zu entkommen, müssen sie ihre christliche Religion aufgeben und den Islam annehmen. Ihre Abenteuer in der islamischen Welt beginnen, und trotz ihrer nominellen Sklaverei erreichen sie hohe und respektierte Stellungen. Ein zentrales Thema ist, wie sie in die ihnen fremde Kultur und Religion hineinwachsen. Michael leidet an Gewissensqualen, da er einst eine Laufbahn als Geistlicher der christlichen Kirche anstrebte. Doch sein Wissensdurst führt dazu, dass er schnell die arabische und türkische Sprache erlernt und sich mit dem Koran sowie der islamischen Glaubenspraxis vertraut macht. Immer wieder stellt er fest, wie unterschiedlich das Osmanische Reich im Vergleich zu den christlichen Ländern Europas ist, wo blutige Glaubenskriege toben und religiöse Toleranz kaum vorhanden ist.
Obliba Waltariho románů přechází z generace na generaci a mezi ty, k nimž se čtenáři stále vracejí, patří i Jeho království. Prostřednictvím dopisů své milence Tulii zde římský šlechtic Marcus Manilius Mezentianus vypráví o své cestě do Palestiny, která znamenala obrat v jeho dosavadním životě, přijetí křesťanství, příklon k prostotě a chudobě a tím objevení nového smyslu života.
Es ist die Zeit, da die Feuer der Inquisition brennen: Ketzer und Hexen sterben zur Ehre Gottes und zum Heile ihrer Seele. Wir begleiten Michael von Skandinavien nach Deutschland, wo Luthers Lehre einen Sturm entfacht. Wir folgen ihm an den kaiserlichen Hof von Madrid und nach Rom, mit dessen Plünderung die Handlung ihre dramatische Zuspitzung erreicht.
