Samson in Chains: Posthumous Tragedy

by Leonid Andreyev

A stormy tale of power, prophecy, and captivity follows Samson from the wilderness to a treacherous temple.

This dramatic novel scene pits a legendary Judean figure against betrayal, fate, and a thirst for control in a world ruled by the Philistines.

Set against storm-dark skies and ritual splendor, the book weaves prophecy, ambition, and intense personal loyalties into a tense narrative. The focus centers on Samson’s fate, the schemes of his enemies, and the complex bond with Delilah that shapes the course of the drama.

Experience a theater-ready portrait of a mighty figure facing questions of power, sight, and destiny. Watch tense confrontations between Samson, Delilah, Galial, and a ruling king in a high-stakes ritual. Explore themes of faith, betrayal, and the cost of leadership in a mythic setting. Follow a dramatic shift from wilderness isolation to a ceremonial moment under watchful eyes. Ideal for readers who enjoy classical tragedy, mythic ambition, and moody, character-driven drama.

221 pages, Hardcover

Published August 24, 2018

About the author

Leonid Nikolayevich Andreyev (Russian: Леонид Николаевич Андреев; 1871-1919) was a Russian playwright and short-story writer who led the Expressionist movement in the national literature. He was active between the revolution of 1905 and the Communist revolution which finally overthrew the Tsarist government. His first story published was About a Poor Student, a narrative based upon his own experiences. It was not, however, until Gorky discovered him by stories appearing in the Moscow Courier and elsewhere that Andreyevs literary career really began. His first collection of stories appeared in 1901, and sold a quarter-million copies in short time. He was hailed as a new star in Russia, where his name soon became a byword. He published his short story, In the Fog in 1902. Although he started out in the Russian vein he soon startled his readers by his eccentricities, which grew even faster than his fame. His two best known stories may be The Red Laugh (1904) and The Seven Who Were Hanged (1908). His dramas include the Symbolist plays The Life of Man (1906), Tsar Hunger (1907), Black Masks (1908), Anathema (1909) and He Who Gets Slapped (1915).