by Theophile Gautier (Author), Lafcadio Hearn (Translator)
One of Cleopatra's Nights is a collection of fantastical and romantic tales by French writer Théophile Gautier. The title story, One of Cleopatra's Nights, is a lush and dramatic tale set in ancient Egypt, where the legendary queen Cleopatra selects a young admirer for a single night of passion-though the price of his devotion is higher than he anticipates.
The collection showcases Gautier's signature blend of vivid imagery, poetic prose, and themes of love, beauty, and the supernatural. Other tales in the book explore gothic romance, eerie legends, and exotic locales, all infused with the rich, decadent style that made Gautier a master of 19th-century romanticism. These stories remain celebrated for their dreamlike atmosphere and evocative storytelling, making this volume a classic of French literature.