Pharaoh and the Priest

Pharaoh and the Priest (Faraon) is the fourth major novel by Polish author Bolesław Prus, published in the late 19th century. Set in ancient Egypt during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses XIII (1087–85 BCE), the novel explores themes of state power, knowledge, and the vulnerabilities of those who challenge authority. Notably, it is Prus' only historical novel, reflecting his earlier disapproval of the genre due to its potential to distort history. The narrative draws parallels between the fall of ancient Egypt and the author's own experiences with the decline of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.