Author
Richard Dowling
1846-1898
Richard Dowling (1846-1898) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Richard Dowling
An Isle of Surrey: A Novel
"An Isle of Surrey: A Novel" by Richard Dowling is a work of fiction written in the late 19th century. The story begins in a dreary setting by Welford Bridge, where a group of disreputable men loiter around the South London Canal, discussing the rumors surrounding Crawford's House and its new inhabitants. The central characters introduced include Jim Ford, known as Red Jim, and various other dockworkers and loafers who ponder the mysteries of their neighborhood, alongside William Crawford, the protagonist, who has taken up residence in the titular house. At the start of the narrative, the atmosphere is thick with intrigue and a sense of foreboding. Red Jim and his companions are drawn to talk about the mysterious happenings concerning Crawford's House, particularly focusing on the owner and the implications of past events that seem to haunt the new inhabitants. Meanwhile, the opening also hints at the arrival of Crawford at his new residence, his interactions with the vibrant Hetty and her brother Alfred Layard, and a deeper mystery that surrounds Crawford's identity and his past, establishing a foundation for the unfolding drama as the characters navigate their intertwined fates against the backdrop of their gritty surroundings.
Ignorant Essays
"Ignorant Essays" by Richard Dowling is a collection of reflective essays written in the late 19th century. The work explores various philosophical and literary themes through Dowling's engaging and often humorous lens. The essays delve into subjects such as the nature of dreams, interpretations of literature, and the interplay between knowledge and ignorance. The opening of the collection begins with a conversation between the author and a friend about the concept of wealth, illustrated through the metaphor of the "ghost of a sixpence." This conversation leads to a fascinating exploration of the intangible nature of dreams and the existential questions surrounding the presence of ghosts in our lives. Dowling cleverly juxtaposes personal anecdotes, literary references, and philosophical inquiries, demonstrating a whimsical yet profound examination of the human experience. Through this thought-provoking dialogue, the author sets the stage for a series of essays that invite readers to contemplate deeper existential questions while enjoying his unique prose style.
The Duke's Sweetheart: A Romance
"The Duke's Sweetheart: A Romance" by Richard Dowling is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Charles Augustus Cheyne, the Duke of Long Acre, a man without land or aristocratic connections but endowed with an imaginative spirit and a kind heart. As he navigates his life in Fleet Street, his affections lead him to meet his love, Marion Durrant, amid a backdrop of societal expectations and romantic entanglements. The opening of the book introduces Cheyne as a unique character, often seen as a duke by his peers despite lacking noble heritage. He leads a modest life while engaging in writing that captures the interest of those around him, and he is set to meet his beloved, Marion, in Hyde Park. Their playful banter showcases their close relationship as Cheyne prepares to reveal important feelings to her. As the narrative unfolds, it hints at the complexities of love, ambition, and societal status, setting the stage for a romance that invites both intrigue and emotional depth.
Under St Paul's: A Romance
"Under St Paul's: A Romance" by Richard Dowling is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds primarily around the character George Osborne, a man who embarks on his first significant journey away from home to London, where he encounters the captivating Miss Marie Gordon, a cosmopolitan woman with a complex background. Their interactions reveal themes of love, identity, and societal expectations, set against the backdrop of London’s vibrant life. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to a dinner scene at Mrs. Barclay's private hotel where George Osborne meets Marie Gordon, an intriguing and beautiful young woman. Their conversation is lively and filled with playful banter, hinting at a mutual attraction. George grapples with his feelings of admiration and confusion as he reflects on his sheltered life in Stratford-on-Avon compared to the bustling and dynamic city he finds himself in. The opening chapters set the stage for a romantic exploration as the characters’ paths intertwine, exploring the complexities of their personalities, aspirations, and the rapidly changing world around them.
Miracle Gold: A Novel (Vol. 2 of 3)
"Miracle Gold" by Richard Dowling is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story delves into the lives and interactions of various characters, focusing on Oscar Leigh, a clockmaker who claims to have created a miraculous gold compound. The narrative mixes social commentary with personal relationships as it explores themes of ambition, class, and the human condition against a backdrop of 1880s London society. The opening of the novel sets the stage during an afternoon tea at Mrs. Ashton's drawing-room, bustling with conversation and playful banter among the guests. We are introduced to Oscar Leigh and John Hanbury, who share a tense dialogue that hints at deeper conflicts. As they navigate through the lighthearted atmosphere, Leigh's innate eccentricity and his obsession with creating "miracle gold" come to the fore, leaving Hanbury ambivalent about his companion's motives. Leigh's interactions with Miss Ashton also indicate a burgeoning attachment, creating a tension that echoes through the social dynamics at play. This introductory section effectively establishes character relationships and hints at the underlying conflicts that will drive the plot forward.
Miracle Gold: A Novel (Vol. 3 of 3)
"Miracle Gold: A Novel (Vol. 3 of 3)" by Richard Dowling is a fictional narrative likely written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around John Hanbury, a protagonist entangled in a web of family secrets and newly discovered relatives, particularly the mysterious Grace family. At the heart of the plot is the concept of lineage and identity connected to the elusive "Miracle Gold" which serves as a central metaphor throughout the narrative." The opening of "Miracle Gold" introduces John Hanbury returning home from a day filled with extraordinary revelations regarding his ancestors. After receiving a letter from his father that hints at a remarkable family connection, he seeks confirmation of a tale about a distant relative, Kate Grace, leading to encounters that intertwine his fate with the Graces. His emotional struggle is emphasized in his interactions with his mother, signaling the impact of these discoveries on family dynamics. Complications arise due to Hanbury's conflicting feelings towards Dora Ashton, a potential love interest, as he grapples with the implications of bloodline prestige and personal pride against the backdrop of his relationship with her. As the narrative unfolds, themes of familial connection and the search for identity amid societal expectations begin to emerge, setting the stage for deeper conflicts and resolutions.
Tempest-Driven: A Romance (Vol. 3 of 3)
"Tempest-Driven: A Romance (Vol. 3 of 3)" by Richard Dowling is a novel written in the late 19th century. This work explores themes of love, loyalty, and social dynamics, particularly through the lens of complex relationships surrounding the character of Mrs. Davenport and her interactions with the Paulton family and others. The narrative blends romance with emotional conflict, and the story delves into the societal expectations placed upon its characters. The opening of the novel introduces us to the Paulton household during a subdued luncheon, where Edith and Madge Paulton discuss the arrival of Jerry O’Brien and their perceptions of Mrs. Davenport, a widow whose past is shrouded in drama and mystery. As the conversation unfolds, Edith’s blunt commentary reveals her unfettered thoughts on love and relationships, hinting at unseen tensions between various characters, including Alfred, who harbors feelings for Mrs. Davenport. The narrative begins to peel back the layers of social expectation, with themes of ambition, unrequited love, and the pursuit of happiness all interwoven through the character interactions and their personal struggles. The stage is set for the exploration of Mrs. Davenport’s intentions and the implications of her connections with the men around her, creating a rich tapestry that promises to unfold throughout the novel.
Tempest-Driven: A Romance (Vol. 2 of 3)
"Tempest-Driven: A Romance" by Richard Dowling is a novel written in the late 19th century. It unfolds a tale of love, conflict, and mystery as it explores the lives of various characters whose destinies are intertwined with affection, friendship, and deception. The narrative focuses on Jerry O'Brien, a man grappling with his feelings for Alfred Paulton’s sister, Madge, while navigating the complexities surrounding the precarious health of his friend, Alfred, and looming threats from meddling commissioners. The opening of the novel introduces us to Jerry O'Brien, who is in a state of despair regarding his friend Alfred's health, struggling with feelings of guilt and helplessness. As he reflects on his love for Madge, the atmosphere turns tense with the looming presence of commissioners threatening his financial stability linked to salmon weirs. In this emotional turmoil, he receives a lengthy letter from a solicitor, John O'Hanlon, hinting at past connections with the Davenports and a ghostly encounter with a man named Michael Fahey, whose mysterious disappearance and haunting presence suggest deeper secrets yet to be unveiled. This sets the stage for a story steeped in complexity and intrigue, inviting readers into a richly layered narrative.
The Weird Sisters: A Romance. Volume 1 (of 3)
"The Weird Sisters: A Romance. Volume 1 (of 3)" by Richard Dowling is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in Daneford and introduces us to Mr. Henry Walter Grey, known as Wat Grey, a respected banker who is mourning the recent loss of his wife. As the narrative develops, themes of fortune, societal status, and personal relationships emerge, circling around the interactions of various characters that impact Mr. Grey's life. The opening portion of the novel sets a somber yet intriguing tone as it follows Wat Grey in his home, where he reflects on his life and connections. We learn of his prominent status within the community, discussing his relationships with others, including a mysterious man named Joe Farleg, who arrives under dubious circumstances. Farleg's return of a ring belonging to Mrs. Grey hints at deeper troubles, as their dialogue veers into themes of crime and moral complexity. As secrets unfold amid everyday interactions, the groundwork for an intricate plot is laid, intertwining the lives of various characters against the backdrop of family legacy and societal expectations.
The Weird Sisters: A Romance. Volume 2 (of 3)
"The Weird Sisters: A Romance. Volume 2 (of 3)" by Richard Dowling is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story navigates themes of love, betrayal, and moral conflict, centering on the character of Mr. Grey, whose troubled psyche leads him into a desperate situation following a series of life-altering events. As the plot unfolds, Grey grapples with the consequences of his actions and the emotional turmoil accompanying his fractured relationships. At the start of this volume, the opening sets a tense and dramatic tone, focusing on Mr. Grey as he emerges from a harrowing scene at the bedside of Sir Alexander Midharst, sweeping back and forth between desperation and self-delusion. The narrative captures his internal struggle as he is overwhelmed by guilt and fear, contemplating the weight of a recent theft that has intertwined with his complicated feelings towards Maud Midharst, the heir to Sir Alexander's fortune. Mr. Grey's sense of detachment is palpable as he confronts a potential disaster with the steamboat "Rodwell", leading to a catastrophic explosion which changes the course of his life and ignites a desperate search for answers regarding his wife, Bee, whose fate hangs in the balance. This opening portion establishes a darkly charged atmosphere filled with ambiguity and anticipation of impending doom.
The Last Call: A Romance (Vol. 3 of 3)
"The Last Call: A Romance (Vol. 3 of 3)" by Richard Dowling is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book centers around complex themes of love, jealousy, and betrayal, particularly focusing on the turbulent relationship between the main characters, Dominique Lavirotte and the O'Donnell family. As they navigate personal tragedies and misunderstandings, the narrative explores how past choices and circumstances shape their present lives. The opening of the novel sets a somber tone as it introduces a solitary man traveling from Rathclare to Dublin, cloaked in mystery and emotional turmoil. He is later revealed to be Dominique Lavirotte, who arrives in London under a veil of grief and guilt following the death of Dora Harrington. Readers witness his internal struggle as he contemplates his past mistakes, his strained relationships, and the consequences of his actions on those he loves. The scene shifts to a tense confrontation between Lavirotte and James O'Donnell, intensifying the conflict as accusations fly and secrets threaten to unravel their intertwined fates. The beginning effectively establishes the emotional stakes and complex character dynamics that will unfold throughout the narrative.
Tempest-Driven: A Romance (Vol. 1 of 3)
"Tempest-Driven: A Romance (Vol. 1 of 3)" by Richard Dowling is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story begins with Alfred Paulton, a young man returning home late at night, who unexpectedly comes to the aid of a mysterious woman, Mrs. Davenport. After her husband, Louis Davenport, is found dead under suspicious circumstances, the narrative dives into themes of intrigue, potential foul play, and the emotional turmoil faced by the characters, particularly focusing on Mrs. Davenport’s beauty and the troubling nature of her husband's demise. The opening of the novel sets a dark and suspenseful atmosphere as Alfred Paulton stumbles upon a distressed woman calling for help in the middle of the night. After learning that her husband is gravely ill, Alfred rushes to fetch a doctor, but upon arrival, they discover that Mr. Davenport is dead. As Mrs. Davenport grapples with the tragic reality of her husband’s death, suspicions arise regarding the nature of his demise, hinting at possible foul play. The narrative begins to unfold a complex emotional landscape as different characters navigate their relationships, secrets, and the looming inquest that will challenge their lives. The tension is palpable, suggesting a gripping tale of love, loss, and morality intertwined with a potential murder mystery.
The Weird Sisters: A Romance. Volume 3 (of 3)
"The Weird Sisters: A Romance. Volume 3 (of 3)" by Richard Dowling is a Victorian-era novel. The story revolves around complex family dynamics, personal conflicts, and themes of romantic entanglements, centering on the character Henry Walter Grey and his interactions with his mother and a young woman named Maud Midharst. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that Grey is grappling with moral dilemmas and the repercussions of his past actions, all of which are set against a rich backdrop of social expectations and familial obligations. The opening of the novel introduces a tense conversation between Henry and his mother, who is bewildered by her son’s seemingly cryptic and troubled demeanor. As they engage in a dialogue laden with emotional undercurrents, it becomes clear that Henry is entangled in a web of guilt and regret over his actions, particularly concerning his financial dealings. His mother expresses concern over his well-being, and this interaction foreshadows deeper conflicts to come. The scene sets the tone for a narrative filled with psychological depth, as Henry’s internal struggles are mirrored by the external pressures of societal norms and the expectations placed upon him, particularly in relation to his potential marriage to Maud.
The Last Call: A Romance (Vol. 1 of 3)
"The Last Call: A Romance (Vol. 1 of 3)" by Richard Dowling is a fictional novel published in the late 19th century. The story introduces readers to a romantic entanglement set against a backdrop of social class tensions and personal struggles. At its center are the characters Eugene O'Donnell, a wealthy and respected merchant's son, and Ellen Creagh, a beautiful and kind-hearted young woman, as well as Dominique Lavirotte, a handsome but troubled foreigner with a volatile temperament. The opening portion of the narrative sets the stage for a love triangle filled with emotional turmoil and rising tensions. It begins with Eugene watching Ellen and Dominique in a boat, highlighting the budding feelings he has for Ellen, who must soon leave for Dublin. Meanwhile, Dominique grapples with his intense love for Ellen, which is complicated by jealousy towards Eugene, whom he encounters later. After a fateful confrontation, an altercation ensues, resulting in injury and a mystery that may alter the course of their lives. The intricacies of their relationships involve themes of love, jealousy, and the societal expectations that govern them, hinting at the dramatic developments to come as the story unfolds.
The Last Call: A Romance (Vol. 2 of 3)
"The Last Call: A Romance (Vol. 2 of 3)" by Richard Dowling is a romantic novel written in the late 19th century. The story features complex characters embroiled in dramatic situations, notably focusing on Dora Harrington and her grandfather, Lionel Crawford, who are navigating a web of relationships, secrets, and the pursuit of a hidden treasure. Central to the plot are themes of familial bonds, love, and the implications of wealth, particularly as characters grapple with personal hardship and societal expectations. At the start of this volume, readers are introduced to a tense and emotional moment as Dora discovers she is receiving financial help from her grandfather, but she is also faced with the anxiety of her fiancé, Lavirotte, being unwell. The narrative explores her internal conflict and determination to journey to Ireland to see him. As the plot unfolds, Lavirotte's past entanglements and aspirations for a fortune become entwined with Dora's fate, setting the stage for further developments in their romantic entanglements. The tension is heightened by the broader implications of a financial disaster affecting the surrounding community, which threatens the stability of the families involved. The continuation promises richer explorations of love and sacrifice amidst the backdrop of societal upheaval.
Miracle Gold: A Novel (Vol. 1 of 3)
"Miracle Gold: A Novel (Vol. 1 of 3)" by Richard Dowling is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. It follows the story of Edith Grace, a young woman who finds herself trapped in an emotionally chilling situation with an unpleasant man named Oscar Leigh. As she navigates her escape from Eltham House, where she is meant to work as a companion for Leigh's ailing mother, the narrative delves into themes of fear, dignity, and the struggle for freedom. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Edith Grace, who is in despair after missing the last train to London. The scene is set at a quiet railway station, where she encounters a kind porter before embarking on a journey back to Eltham House, where she felt both trapped and threatened by the inappropriate advances of Oscar Leigh. As she makes her way through the rain-soaked night, her thoughts reveal her determination to escape a life she finds loathsome, culminating in her decision to leave the house under the shadow of night, driven by her fear of Leigh's unwelcome intentions. The opening not only introduces the protagonist and her plight but also hints at the complexities of her emotional landscape as she grapples with her past and uncertain future.