02 - Hill of Dreams by Arthur Machen

In Hill of Dreams, the captivating tale of Lucian Taylor unfolds as he navigates his idyllic childhood in the enchanting rural landscape of Wales, inspired by the town of Caerleon. Central to the story is the Hill of Dreams, an ancient Roman fort where Lucian experiences hauntingly beautiful visions, including glimpses of life during Roman Britain. As he matures, Lucians journey takes him to London, where he grapples with the harsh realities of poverty while fervently pursuing his passion for writing. Often hailed as Arthur Machens masterpiece, this novel, written between 1895 and 1897, blends elements of the decadent and aesthetic movements with Machens own mystical interests. Though it initially went unnoticed upon its release in 1907, a glowing review by Alfred Douglas has since illuminated its profound significance.