Phyllis of Philistia by Frank Frankfort Moore is a richly layered romance set in Victorian society, blending historical fiction with poignant social commentary. The novel explores themes of social class and class disparity, delving into the personal struggles and emotional drama of its characters. At the heart of the story is Phyllis, whose relationships are marked by love and betrayal, reflecting the complexities of 19th-century family dynamics and societal expectations. As Phyllis navigates the challenges of her social milieu, the narrative examines moral conflict and identity, offering a profound look at self-discovery within a rigid social framework. Moore’s portrayal of character development and personal struggle provides a compelling exploration of the impact of social class on relationships and personal choices. Through its engaging plot and emotional depth, Phyllis of Philistia captures the essence of Victorian-era life and the timeless themes of love, identity, and social upheaval.
Frank Frankfort Moore was an Irish writer, journalist, and playwright who lived from 1855 to 1931. He was a Protestant from Belfast and a unionist. But during the years of Home Rule protests, his historical fiction did not shy away from themes of Irish Catholics being pushed out of their homes. Moore was born in Limerick but grew up in Belfast. He remembers seeing religious rioters being chased by dragoons with sabers drawn in the street below his nursery window as his oldest memory. It was a pretty well-off family; Moore's father was a successful clockmaker and jeweler, and French and German were spoken. But because the older Moore was a member of the very strict Open Brethren sect, he wanted his kids to only read religious and educational books. The preacher Michael Paget Baxter often went there. He said that Emperor Napoleon III was the Beast from the Book of Revelation. Moore went to school at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution and quickly learned to take a step back from his father's views. He remembered that some slanderous lines called "Mr. Baxter and the Beast" were going around, "proving" that Baxter was the Antichrist.
