Babylon, Volume 2

In Short

This narrative follows Colin Churchill, a young man from Dorsetshire with the burning ambition to become a professional sculptor. The story tracks his transition from a life of menial labor to his training in Rome, where he experiences the friction between his artistic vision and the expectations of his patrons. It is a portrait of personal evolution, highlighting the sacrifices made by those who love the ambitious, and the way in which talent, money, and social standing collide in the pursuit of beauty.

The Story

The story begins in England, where Colin Churchill works for a sculptor, molding replicas and feeling frustrated by the lack of true artistic challenge. He is supported by Minna, a young woman who deeply loves him and offers her own meager savings to help him reach Rome, the "capital of art." Colin leaves for Italy, eventually finding work as a valet for a wealthy, pompous man named Sir Henry Wilberforce. In a chance encounter on a train, Colin meets an American, Hiram Winthrop, and his companion, Gwen Howard-Russell, both of whom become fascinated by the young man's intellect and artistic drive.

Once in Rome, Colin’s life changes when he is reunited with his brother, Sam, who arrives with his friend, the intellectual Lothrop Audouin. Sam, horrified to find Colin serving as a valet, provides the financial support necessary for Colin to study under the prestigious master, Nicola Maragliano. While Colin immerses himself in the technical discipline of sculpture, Hiram is forced into a path of figure painting by his benefactor, Audouin, despite his own preference for landscapes.

As years pass, Colin’s talent matures. He moves into his own studio and struggles through the "errors" of learning, eventually gaining professional recognition. Gwen, meanwhile, continues to influence his career by nudging her wealthy, dim-witted relatives to commission works from him. Colin succeeds, earning enough to pay back his brother and eventually planning to secure a future for Minna, who has remained in London, waiting for him and fearing he might forget her.

Hiram’s arc is one of unrequited yearning. He remains infatuated with Gwen, but she views him with a blend of indifference and condescension, seeing him as a pleasant but unremarkable figure. By the end, the lives of these characters have diverged significantly. Colin has achieved the professional stature he once only dreamed of, successfully navigating the complex world of art patronage. Gwen and Audouin eventually return to Rome, finding that the young man they once helped has surpassed their expectations. The story concludes with Colin established as a successful artist, looking toward a future that finally includes the prospect of reuniting with Minna, while the others continue to live within the social and emotional structures they have built for themselves.

How It Unfolds

The call to art Colin expresses his dissatisfaction with his limited life in England and declares his intention to master sculpture in Rome. Despite his lack of funds, he remains committed to his goal, supported by the quiet, tearful devotion of Minna.

The valet’s journey Colin accepts a position as a valet to reach Italy, only to find the role socially humiliating. On his travels, he encounters Gwen and Hiram, leaving an impression of intellectual sophistication that surprises his companions.

A brother’s intervention Sam discovers Colin’s lowly station and immediately intervenes, providing the capital necessary to release him from servitude. Colin begins a rigorous apprenticeship, learning that true artistry requires both native genius and the mastery of technical foundations.

The struggle of the artist Hiram faces the challenge of artistic guidance from Audouin, which contradicts his own creative instincts. Meanwhile, Colin learns to survive the "errors" of his craft, gaining the confidence to transition from student to independent professional.

The fruit of ambition Colin secures his first major commissions, gradually rising in the estimation of the wealthy elite. He eventually finds financial success, shifting his focus toward repaying his debts and looking toward the promise of a life with Minna.

The People

Colin Churchill is the central figure, driven by an intense desire to transform his raw talent into professional mastery. He is ambitious and sometimes lacks awareness of his impact on others, yet he remains anchored by his roots. Minna is the quiet, emotional heart of the story; her love for Colin is her defining feature, and she bears the burden of his absence with patient, often painful, faith.

Gwen Howard-Russell is a woman of high social status and sharp intelligence. She enjoys the role of patron, using her influence to guide Colin, though she treats the sensitive Hiram Winthrop with a neglectful dismissiveness. Hiram is a soulful, somewhat passive American artist who is caught between his own genuine love for nature and the expectations placed upon him by others. He represents the dreamer who lacks the cold, sharp focus that allows Colin to succeed. Finally, Lothrop Audouin acts as a benefactor who believes in his own intellectual superiority, shaping the paths of those he claims to mentor.

In Its Own Voice

'Go to Rome I will, if I have to tramp every step of the way on foot, and reach there barefoot.'

Colin declares his absolute, unflinching determination to leave his limited life behind and study art in Italy.

'If ever I forget you, may my right hand forget her cunning--and what more dreadful thing could a sculptor say by way of an imprecation than that, now!'

Colin attempts to reassure Minna of his enduring devotion before he departs for his new life abroad.

'We learn most of all by our errors.'

The master sculptor, Maragliano, explains to his pupils why he encourages them to attempt work that is technically destined to collapse.

What It's Really About

At its core, the book examines the cost of ambition and the tension between social class and personal achievement. Colin’s journey is not just about learning to sculpt, but about shedding his identity as a working-class servant to inhabit the world of the elite. The narrative questions whether artistic success can be attained without compromising one's integrity or leaving behind those who supported the initial dream. It also explores the theme of "evolution" versus "revolution"—the idea that significant life changes occur through quiet, persistent growth rather than sudden, explosive events. Ultimately, it asks whether the pursuit of a "higher" calling, like art, is worth the emotional isolation that often accompanies it.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy long, character-driven novels that emphasize the steady development of a protagonist will find this book rewarding. The writing is marked by a Victorian-era warmth and a keen observation of human behavior, particularly in how characters use their wealth or intellect to manipulate the lives of those they consider "lesser."

The book is particularly effective in its portrayal of the immigrant experience—specifically the American arrival in Europe—and the romanticized, often slightly absurd, view that 19th-century travelers held regarding the "Old World." However, modern readers should be prepared for the period-specific attitudes regarding social status and gender roles, which are woven into the dialogue and character interactions. The dialect used by the minor characters and servants adds an authentic texture to the setting, though it may require some patience to parse. You will find it a compelling read if you value stories about the intersection of artistic calling and the constraints of one's background. It stays with you as a meditation on how we use other people to build our own futures, and whether those we leave behind can ever truly be brought along into our new lives.