William Ware

William Ware
William Ware (1797–1852) was an American writer and Unitarian clergyman, best known for his historical novels set in ancient Rome. His most famous works include "Zenobia; or, The Fall of Palmyra" (1837) and "Aurelian; or, Rome in the Third Century" (1838). Ware's novels, often written in the form of letters, combine historical research with imaginative storytelling, offering vivid depictions of early Christian life and the Roman Empire. His works were influential in popularizing historical fiction in 19th-century America.

Author's Books:


AURELIAN. The record which follows, is by the hand of me, Nicomachus, once the happy servant of the great Queen of Palmyra, than whom the world never saw a queen more illustrious, or a woman adorned with brighter virtues. But my design is not to write her eulogy, or to recite the wonderful story of her life. That task requires a stronger and a more impartial hand than mine. The life of Zenobia by... more...

Letter I. It is with difficulty that I persuade myself, that it is I who am sitting and writing to you from this great city of the East. Whether I look upon the face of nature, or the works of man, I see every thing different from what the West presents; so widely different, that it seems to me, at times, as if I were subject to the power of a dream. But I rouse myself, and find that I am awake, and... more...