Maurice Hewlett 
Little Novels of Italy 

Maurice Hewlett’s ‘Little Novels of Italy’ is a collection of short stories that capture the essence of Italy through vivid and detailed descriptions of its landscapes, people, and customs. Hewlett’s prose is rich in imagery and his storytelling style is reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance literature, blending historical fiction with elements of romance and adventure. Each novella transports the reader to a different region of Italy, allowing them to experience the country’s cultural diversity and historical depth. The book is a masterful tapestry of emotions and sensations that paint a multifaceted portrait of Italy. Maurice Hewlett, an English novelist and poet, was known for his fascination with Italian culture and history. His intimate knowledge of the country’s past and his love for its people are evident in the intricate narratives of ‘Little Novels of Italy’. Hewlett’s exploration of Italy through fiction reflects his passion for storytelling and his skill in creating immersive literary worlds that resonate with readers. I highly recommend ‘Little Novels of Italy’ to anyone who appreciates historical fiction, Italian culture, or engaging storytelling. Hewlett’s collection of short stories is a delightful journey through the heart of Italy, filled with captivating characters and captivating landscapes that will transport the reader to another time and place.

About the author

Maurice Henry Hewlett (1861–1923), an English historical novelist, poet, and essayist, carved a distinctive niche in the literary world of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Hewlett’s career transitioned from law to literature, and he gained recognition with his second book, ‘The Forest Lovers’ (1898). His passion for medievalism and Renaissance is vividly showcased in his works, where he combined his love for history and romanticism. ‘Little Novels of Italy, ‘ published in 1899, is a testament to his literary style that often interweaves historical settings with lyrical prose and rich characterizations. This collection of tales illuminates the Italian landscape, both geographically and culturally, reflecting Hewlett’s own fascination with the country and its art heritage. Although his popularity waned with the transition to modernist literature, Hewlett’s novels remain exemplars of their genre, eluding straightforward classification and offering insight into the romantic historicism that characterized much of the literary output of his era. His oeuvre encompasses a wide range of books that include ‘The Life and Death of Richard Yea-and-Nay’ (1900) and ‘The Queen’s Quair; or, The Six Years’ Tragedy’ (1904), where historical figures are often the central characters. Hewlett’s works, infusing antiquity with vitality, continue to be appreciated by those with a penchant for historical romances and the tapestry of the past.