Salambo

First published in 1862, this historical novel is set in Carthage after the First Punic War, during the revolt of unpaid mercenaries. Matho, a Libyan soldier, becomes obsessed with Salammbo, daughter of the general Hamilcar Barca and a priestess attached to the goddess Tanit. The war between the city and the army of Spendius and Matho is told through sieges, the aqueduct, sacrifice to Moloch, and the stolen veil of the goddess. Hamilcar returns from abroad to retake control. The book is a densely material reconstruction of ancient North Africa, not a modern novel of French private life.

Ten leaves of engravings on copper by Ru van Rossem. Dust-jacket.