Hypatia or New Foes with an Old Face  (Paperback, Charles Kingsley)

The novel is set in ancient Alexandria, Egypt, during a time of significant religious and philosophical conflict. It tells the story of Hypatia, a female philosopher and mathematician, who becomes embroiled in the religious and political turmoil of the period. The narrative explores the clash between paganism and Christianity, as well as the tensions between various religious and philosophical beliefs. Charles Kingsley's "Hypatia" is a historical novel that delves into themes of religious intolerance, intellectual freedom, and the cultural dynamics of the time. The novel is known for its vivid portrayal of the historical setting and the characters who inhabit it. It's worth noting that "Hypatia" is based on the real historical figure of Hypatia, a Hellenistic Neoplatonist philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer who lived in the 4th and 5th centuries CE. The novel provides a fictionalized account of her life and the events of her time. Charles Kingsley's work is celebrated for its historical accuracy and social commentary.