Dorothy Dunnett, Roman Nights

Lisa Hopkins (Sheffield Hallam University)

The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.2.3: Scottish Writing and Culture, 400-present.
Vol. editors: Kate Ash-Irisarri (University of Edinburgh), Daniel Cook (University of Dundee), Nicole Kennedy (University of Newcastle), Gina Lyle (University of York), J. Derrick McClure (University of Aberdeen), Andrew Radford (University of Glasgow)

Dates

First circulation or publication 1980

Places

United Kingdom (Country of Origin)

Genres and Modes

Novel

Resources

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The fourth Johnson Johnson book,

Roman Nights

(originally published as

Dolly and the Starry Bird

), has a new emotional depth. The heroine and narrator Ruth Russell, a professional astronomer working for the Zodiac Trust, is currently seconded to the Frazer Observatory in Rome, owned by famous elderly dramatist Maurice Frazer. Another astronomer, Jacko Middleton, is based there with her, while geeky American Innes Wye is installed in an annexe nicknamed Mouse Hall after his pet mouse Poppy. Most important of all as far as Ruth is concerned is her lover Charles, Lord Digham, son and heir of the Marquess of Teddington and an established photographer who is currently taking pictures of couture designs, some of which are modelled by the beautiful Diana Minicucci, daughter of a Hollywood…

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1468 words

Citation: Hopkins, Lisa. "Roman Nights". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 01 July 2025 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=42108, accessed 08 July 2025.]

Dorothy Dunnett, Roman Nights

Dates

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