"His editorial reign, as one looks back upon it, was not so much Capuan as Saturnian."
Bliss Perry; Thomas Bailey Aldrich; 20th Century.

I have read books by Bliss Perry, and by Thomas Bailey Aldrich. Now that I know what Saturninan means, can anybody tell me what "Capuan" means?

I have never met Capuan as an adjective, except to describe someone from Capua, but it appears to me that there are two likely possible applications for the adjective Capuan (there could well be others!). One would refer to living in luxury (Hannibal’s men were seduced by the luxurious life they were able to lead in Capua). The other would refer to an all-or-nothing, do-or-die, never compromise, philosophy of life (the Capuan school for gladiators taught this approach). Perhaps the context helps…?

Tolstoy also uses Capuan as an adjective in Anna Karenina. After Levin got married, he thinks about his new life.."There was something shameful and effeminate about his life; it was too Capuan, as he expressed it to himself...."

Of no particular import to the discussion, but as an aside: was the word used by Tolstoy or by a translator?

Brick and mortar OED doesn't have it. Must is perty rare. Onelook doesn't have it, either.

But the world's rushing tide washes up to his feet,
And leaps the soft barriers that bound his retreat;
The tumult of camps, surges out on the breeze,
And ever seems mocking his Capuan ease.
He dare not be happy, or tranquil, or blest,
While his soil by the feet of invaders is prest:
What brooks it, tho' still he be pale as a ghost?
If he languish or fail,--let him fail at his post.

~Margaret Junkin Preston, "Beechenbrook; A Rhyme of the War" (1895).

1895

Too late for B&M OED. C-Cassweed was published June 1888. But it's clear which of the potential def's she's using. Post this again after we get back to permanency, Daddio Stevarino.