Ziska (ePub)

Marie Corelli (1855-1924) was a prolific British novelist who rose to immense popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born Mary Mackay in London, she adopted the pen name Marie Corelli for her literary work. Corelli's novels blend elements of Gothic, fantasy, and romance, often with a moral or spiritual message, reflecting her interest in spiritualism and the occult. Her work was characterized by a florid, melodramatic style that resonated with the Victoriana readership of her time, though it often met with critical disdain for its perceived lack of literary refinement. Corelli's novel 'Ziska: The Problem of a Wicked Soul' (1897) exemplifies her fascination with the supernatural, exploring themes of reincarnation against the backdrop of the mystical allure of Egypt. Despite her contemporary critics, Corelli's novels outsold her contemporaries for a time, including those of Arthur Conan Doyle, H.G. Wells, and Rudyard Kipling, affirming her status as a literary celebrity. Often depicted as a reclusive and passionate individual, Corelli maintained a close partnership with her companion Bertha Vyver, and their relationship has been the subject of speculation and interest among her biographers. Although her popularity waned after her death, Corelli's contribution to popular fiction and her trailblazing role as a successful female author in a male-dominated industry continue to be recognized by literary historians.