Gaspar Ruiz by Joseph Conrad, Fiction, Literary, Historical

Set against the backdrop of the Revolutionary War, the narrative explores how ordinary individuals emerge from anonymity, shaped by their virtues, vices, and significant actions. It highlights the fleeting nature of fame, where only a handful of leaders are remembered, while the majority fade into obscurity. The book reflects on the transient impact of these characters, emphasizing the contrast between their temporary importance during conflict and their eventual disappearance from collective memory, preserved only in historical texts.