Mr. Isaacs: A Tale of Modern India

Mr. Isaacs: A Tale of Modern India is a novel by F. Marion Crawford, first published in 1882. It was Crawford's first novel and gained significant popularity for its vivid portrayal of British colonial India and its mystical themes.

The story is set in British India and follows the life of Mr. Isaacs, a mysterious and wealthy Persian merchant with possible connections to Sufi mysticism. The narrator, a British journalist, befriends Isaacs and becomes fascinated by his wisdom, charm, and seemingly supernatural abilities.

The central plot revolves around Isaacs' love for Miss Westonhaugh, a beautiful Englishwoman. Their romance faces cultural and societal barriers, as well as interference from Lord Steepleton, a rival for Miss Westonhaugh's affection. The novel blends elements of romance, adventure, and mysticism, culminating in a dramatic and somewhat tragic resolution.

The novel was well-received for its exotic setting and engaging storytelling.

Some critics found it melodramatic, but it helped establish Crawford as a successful novelist. It remains notable as an early example of mystical fiction set in colonial India.

About the Author

Francis Marion Crawford (1854-1909) was a prolific American writer, best known for his numerous novels and classic weird and fantastical stories. Born in Italy, he spent much of his life abroad, particularly in Italy, which became the setting for many of his works.

Crawford was born in Bagni di Lucca, Italy, the only son of American sculptor Thomas Crawford. He received a diverse education, studying at St. Paul's School, Cambridge University, the University of Heidelberg, and the University of Rome. In 1879, he traveled to India, where he studied Sanskrit and edited the Allahabad Indian Herald. Upon returning to America, he continued his Sanskrit studies at Harvard and contributed to various periodicals.

His literary career took off with the publication of his first novel, Mr. Isaacs (1882), which quickly achieved success. This was followed by Doctor Claudius (1883). In 1883, he returned to Italy, where he resided permanently, eventually purchasing and remodeling the Villa Renzi, which became Villa Crawford, in Sant'Agnello. He also wrote historical works, including Ave Roma Immortalis (1898) and The Rulers of the South (1900).

Crawford was incredibly prolific, producing some forty novels and a play. At the height of his career, his books outsold those of any other contemporary fiction writer in England or the United States. He died in 1909 in Sorrento, Italy.