Author Description

In this masterpiece of historical fiction, Géza Gárdonyi brings the world of Attila the Hun to vivid life through the eyes of Zeta, a Greek scribe who chooses to remain among the Huns, drawn by his forbidden love for a noble Hun maiden named Emőke. When young Zeta joins a diplomatic mission to Attila's court, he witnesses a civilization both brutal and sophisticated, where shamans perform ancient rituals and wily diplomats navigate complex politics. Torn between two worlds, Zeta abandons his Roman master to serve among the Huns, ultimately becoming a valued interpreter in Attila's inner circle. As the Hun empire reaches its zenith, Zeta's life becomes entangled with momentous historical events-the legendary Battle of Catalaunum, Attila's march on Rome, and his sudden, mysterious death that shatters the empire. Throughout, Zeta pursues his impossible love for Emőke, navigating dangerous cultural divides that threaten his very survival. Originally published in 1901 as A láthatatlan ember (The Invisible Man), this beloved Hungarian classic transforms the "Scourge of God" from a one-dimensional monster into a complex leader of remarkable intelligence. Based on historical accounts of the period, particularly the writings of Priscus, Gárdonyi creates a richly textured reimagining of fifth-century Europe that challenges readers to see beyond myth into the human heart of history. Discover why Géza Gárdonyi ranks among Hungary's most treasured authors in this compelling tale of love, loyalty, and the clash of empires at the twilight of the ancient world.