Chipped jacket quick reprint after first. Good condition.
Lost Empires by J.B. Priestley is a novel published in 1965 that combines historical fiction with social commentary, set against the backdrop of pre-World War I Britain. It tells the story of Richard Herncastle, a young artist who becomes involved with a traveling music hall troupe, and through this experience, he observes the waning of the British Empire and the declining era of variety theatre in Britain.
The book is largely a coming-of-age story, exploring themes of innocence and experience as Herncastle confronts the darker sides of fame, ambition, and human nature. As he interacts with a diverse cast of characters—including magicians, comedians, and other performers—he becomes disillusioned by the moral compromises required to succeed. Priestley uses Herncastle’s journey to critique the British society of the time, specifically the superficiality and decadence that he believed led to the country’s eventual decline.
The narrative is infused with Priestley’s own nostalgia and reverence for the theater, which he considered a vital part of cultural heritage. It’s also heavily influenced by Priestley’s own experiences, as he had a personal interest in theater and popular entertainment.
The novel was adapted into a British television series in 1986, also titled Lost Empires, which starred a young Colin Firth as Richard Herncastle. The adaptation retained much of the novel’s charm, and it received positive reception for its faithful depiction of the time period and its exploration of complex themes around fame, nostalgia, and the impact of war on society.
