In The Road of Dreams, Agatha Christie reveals a lesser-known side of her creative spirit - that of a poet. Originally published in 1925, this rare and evocative collection gathers over 30 lyrical works, divided into four thematic sections: A Masque from Italy, Ballads, Dreams and Fantasies, and Other Poems. Rich in emotional depth and lyrical sensitivity, the collection invites readers into a more personal and introspective world than the one found in her famous detective novels.
The opening sequence, A Masque from Italy, offers a theatrical and romantic meditation on love and loss, through characters like Harlequin, Columbine, and Pierrot. The Ballads section delves into historical and legendary themes, often told in traditional narrative verse, while Dreams and Fantasies explores imagination, longing, and the elusive nature of beauty and memory. Finally, Other Poems presents more reflective, sometimes melancholic, pieces that touch on war, time, and personal grief.
Christie's poetic voice is graceful, nostalgic, and often haunting. Though not widely known for her poetry, these works show her early literary experimentation and a love for rhythm, atmosphere, and imagery. Readers familiar only with Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple may be surprised to discover the quiet lyricism and emotional candor within these verses.
The Road of Dreams is not just a curiosity for Christie collectors - it is a meaningful and contemplative work of poetry that stands on its own as a testament to the writer's depth, versatility, and inner life.
Contents:
A Masque from Italy
• Prologue: Sung by Columbine
• Harlequin's Song
• Pierrot's Song to the Moon
• Pierrette Dancing on the Green
• Columbine's Song
• Pulcinella
• The Song of Pierrot by the Hearth
• The Last Song of Columbine
• Pierrot Grown Old
• Epilogue: Spoken by Punchinello
Ballads
• The Ballad of the Flint
• Elizabeth of England
• The Bells of Brittany
• Isolt of Brittany
• Dark Sheila
• Ballad of the Maytime
• The Princess Sings
Dreams and Fantasies
• The Dream Spinners
• Down in the Wood
• The Road of Dreams
• Heritage
• The Wanderer
• The Dream City
• A Passing
Other Poems
• Spring
• Young Morning
• Hymn to Ra
• A Palm Tree in the Desert
• World Hymn 1914
• Easter 1918
• To a Beautiful Old Lady
• Wild Roses
• Love Passes
• Progression
• There Where My Lover Lies
