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The Secret Power (1921) is a science fiction novel by Marie Corelli. Published toward the end of Corelli's career as one of the most successful writers of her generation, the novel combines romance, fantasy, and science fiction to tell a story of discovery and sacrifice set in a strangely familiar future. Thought to be inspired by the life of Marie Curie, The Secret Power showcases the immense talent of an author whose reputation has subsided in the years after her death. Due for reassessment by a modern audience, Mari Corelli's work-which has inspired several adaptations for film and theater-is a must read for fans of early science fiction.
Set in the future, The Secret Power describes a future world united through long-distance air travel. Featuring beautiful descriptions of Southern California and Sicily, the novel follows an impoverished academic and a wealthy heiress, star-crossed lovers who wrestle with the discovery of a mysterious radioactive substance. Envisioning the prospect of unmatched power, they struggle with the ethical implications of an energy source with the capacity for good and evil. Living in his secluded cabin, the academic leaves the material untouched, fearful of its consequences. Meanwhile, his lover is content to eat small pieces of the substance daily, astounded by its rejuvenating effect. Addressing philosophical, scientific, and religious themes, The Secret Power is a moving work of fiction which uses romance to ask important questions about an emerging modern world.
With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Marie Corelli The Secret Power is a classic work of English science fiction reimagined for modern readers.
About the author
Marie Corelli can be considered the best-selling author of the Victorian era. She was so renowned that calendars were sold with citations from her books, and a series of postcards representing her could be purchased by her devoted readership. Everybody read Corelli's books, from the most basic shopgirl to Oscar Wilde and Queen Victoria herself. A Romance of Two Worlds, her first book, was distributed in 1886, and it turned her into a best-selling author in England and one of the favourites of Queen Victoria herself, who ended up ordering the complete collection of Marie's books. Despite the severe criticism, her books often managed to break sales records. Marie was the only writer asked to attend the coronation of Edward VII. Marie Corelli's books are inspired, magical, and philosophical. She volunteered to cure the universe's social ills. Among her best works are Barabbas (1893), Thelma (1887), The Expert Christian (1900), Wormwood (1890), The Mystery Power (1921), The Distresses of Satan (1895), The Existence Never-ending (1911), and Transient Power (1902). After World War I, her books were viewed as obsolete, and both interest and sales declined. She passed away in 1924.
Summary
The Secret Power (1921) is a science fiction novel by Marie Corelli. Published toward the end of Corelli’s career as one of the most successful writers of her generation, the novel combines romance, fantasy, and science fiction to tell a story of discovery and sacrifice set in a strangely familiar future. Thought to be inspired by the life of Marie Curie, The Secret Power showcases the immense talent of an author whose reputation has subsided in the years after her death. Due for reassessment by a modern audience, Mari Corelli’s work—which has inspired several adaptations for film and theater—is a must read for fans of early science fiction.
Set in the future, The Secret Power describes a future world united through long-distance air travel. Featuring beautiful descriptions of Southern California and Sicily, the novel follows an impoverished academic and a wealthy heiress, star-crossed lovers who wrestle with the discovery of a mysterious radioactive substance. Envisioning the prospect of unmatched power, they struggle with the ethical implications of an energy source with the capacity for good and evil. Living in his secluded cabin, the academic leaves the material untouched, fearful of its consequences. Meanwhile, his lover is content to eat small pieces of the substance daily, astounded by its rejuvenating effect. Addressing philosophical, scientific, and religious themes, The Secret Power is a moving work of fiction which uses romance to ask important questions about an emerging modern world.
With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Marie Corelli The Secret Power is a classic work of English science fiction reimagined for modern readers.
