Author
Ford Madox Ford
1873-1939
Ford Madox Ford (1873-1939) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Ford Madox Ford
The Fifth Queen Crowned
"The Fifth Queen Crowned" by Ford Madox Ford is a historical novel published in 1908. It is the final book in a trilogy that presents a highly fictionalized account of Katharine Howard's time at Henry VIII's court. The series follows the impoverished young Catholic noblewoman as she navigates the dangerous intrigues of Tudor England, gradually rising to become the king's fifth wife. Ford reimagines Katharine as devout and learned rather than flighty, creating an impressionistic portrait of power, faith, and fate in a treacherous world of spies and schemers.
The Good Soldier
"The Good Soldier" by Ford Madox Ford is a novel published in 1915. Set just before World War I, it chronicles the seemingly perfect marriage of Edward Ashburnham and his friendships with two American couples. Told through flashbacks by an unreliable narrator, the story gradually reveals hidden affairs, deceptions, and tragedies that shatter the facade of respectability. Using pioneering literary impressionism, Ford masterfully unveils how nothing in these relationships is as it first appears, leading to devastating consequences for all involved.
No enemy : $b A tale of reconstruction
No description available.
The Brown Owl: A Fairy Story
"The Brown Owl: A Fairy Story" by Ford Madox Ford is a children's fairy tale written in the late 19th century. This whimsical narrative features Princess Ismara, the daughter of the powerful magician King Intafernes, who bequeaths to her a promise to cherish a mysterious Owl before his death. The story combines elements of magic, adventure, and character-driven drama, particularly revolving around the Princess's journey and her bond with the Owl, which plays a crucial role in the unfolding events of her kingdom. At the start of the tale, readers are introduced to the dying King Intafernes, who urges his daughter Ismara to respect and cherish the Owl, the significance of which remains ambiguous at this point. Following his death, the Princess grapples with her grief, encountering the Owl who behaves unusually in the chaotic aftermath of her father's passing. This includes a comical encounter with the court physician, who is mistakenly terrified of the Owl. The narrative sets the stage for further adventures and conflicts involving the Chancellor, Merrymineral, and establishes a magical realm filled with challenges and allegiances that the Princess must navigate as she comes of age and learns to embrace her newfound responsibilities. The opening portion cleverly blends humor, fantasy, and the tone of classic fairy tales, enticing readers into a world where magic and monarchy intertwine.
The Queen Who Flew: A Fairy Tale
"The Queen Who Flew: A Fairy Tale" by Ford Madox Ford is a fantasy novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a young queen, Eldrida, who, despite her position in a powerful kingdom, finds her life dull and yearns for adventure. The narrative unfolds with her conversation with a bat, during which she learns about the possibility of flight and becomes entangled in the political turmoil of her kingdom. At the start of the tale, the queen is alone in her garden as a revolution brews outside, reflecting a unique take on royal life amidst chaos. She converses with the bat about her desire to fly and eventually learns of a flower that could grant her this ability. The opening sets the stage for her quest for freedom beyond the confines of her palace, exploring themes of independence, curiosity, and self-discovery as she interacts with various characters, including a regent and commoners, ultimately leading to her decision to unearth her capabilities and embark on a journey that promises excitement and enlightenment.
The Young Lovell: A Romance
"The Young Lovell: A Romance" by Ford Madox Ford is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in a medieval backdrop and follows Young Lovell, a character facing both spiritual and physical challenges as he prepares for his knighthood. The narrative intertwines elements of romance, magic, and conflict, particularly involving supernatural apparitions and the political intrigue of the time. At the start of the book, we encounter Young Lovell in the chapel of his castle, where he is maintaining a vigil in preparation for his knighthood. In the darkness, he experiences vivid visions and temptations, including encounters with sinister spirits and a perplexing old witch. As he emerges from his vigil, he discovers that turmoil has befallen his castle: his father has died, and another noble family is claiming their lands. This sets him on a path fraught with danger and uncertainty as he confronts betrayal and the complex dynamics of love and duty. The opening establishes a richly atmospheric setting and hints at both personal and political conflicts that will unfold throughout the narrative.
No More Parades: A novel
"No More Parades: A novel" by Ford Madox Ford is a novel published in 1925. The second book in the Parade's End tetralogy, it follows Captain Christopher Tietjens as he struggles to command troops at a base camp in Rouen during World War I. Amid shelling, bureaucratic chaos, and the death of soldiers in his arms, Tietjens confronts his crumbling marriage to his unfaithful wife Sylvia, who pursues him to France, while suppressing his love for another woman, Valentine Wannop.
The Feather
"The Feather" by Ford Madox Ford is a fantasy novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in a mythical kingdom and follows the adventures of a young princess, Ernalie, who is kidnapped by an eagle and taken on a journey that leads her to encounter strange characters and extraordinary circumstances. Themes of adventure, self-discovery, and the contrast between royalty and common life weave through her experiences. The opening of the story introduces readers to a beautifully secluded kingdom ruled by a well-meaning but ineffectual king and his self-willed daughter, Princess Ernalie. After a playful scene where the princess pelts swans with rose leaves, her curiosity about what lies beyond the mountains leads to her abduction by an eagle. Ultimately, the king descends into despair over his daughter's disappearance, prompting him to seek guidance from a wise woman. The narrative quickly pivots to focus on Ernalie's initial bewilderment and escalating challenges as she attempts to navigate her new and dangerous surroundings, setting up her character’s extensive journey ahead.
Some do not...: A novel
"Some Do Not..." by Ford Madox Ford is a novel published in 1924. It follows Christopher Tietjens, a brilliant government statistician trapped in a disastrous marriage to his elegant but restless wife Sylvia. During a fateful weekend in the English countryside, Christopher encounters Valentine Wannop, a young suffragette, sparking an impossible attraction. As friendship deepens into forbidden love and war approaches, Christopher must navigate social expectations, marital duty, and personal honor in a changing Edwardian world where some do not compromise.
The Fifth Queen: And How She Came to Court
"The Fifth Queen: And How She Came to Court" by Ford Madox Ford is a historical novel published in 1906. It opens a trilogy presenting a highly fictionalized account of Katharine Howard's arrival at Henry VIII's court. Ford reimagines the historical figure as a devout, learned Catholic noblewoman who navigates the dangerous political intrigues of Tudor England. Through impressionistic prose and invented Tudor-style dialogue, the novel follows Katharine's reluctant rise at court, where calculating figures like Thomas Cromwell manipulate her path toward the king's attention.
A call : $b The tale of two passions
"A Call: The Tale of Two Passions" by Ford Madox Ford is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds around the complex lives and emotional entanglements of its main characters, particularly Robert Grimshaw, who is portrayed like a seal, watchful and indulgent, and his interactions with Pauline Leicester and the enigmatic Katya Lascarides. The book delves into themes of unfulfilled love, societal expectations, and the tensions between personal desires and social propriety. The opening of the novel establishes a rich social atmosphere where Robert Grimshaw is present at the wedding of Pauline Leicester and Dudley Leicester. Notably, tensions arise from Grimshaw's unreciprocated feelings for both Pauline and Katya, his cousin, whom he once intended to marry. As he navigates conversations about the couple's backgrounds, his interactions reveal his deep emotional struggle over his past engagement with Katya and his desires for Pauline. Ellida Langham, Grimshaw's cousin, also plays a significant role in these exchanges, pressing him about Katya and highlighting the bittersweet dynamics of love and loyalty that are central to the narrative. The stage is set for a deep exploration of passion and the societal norms that shape the characters' lives.
Privy Seal: His Last Venture
"Privy Seal: His Last Venture" by Ford Madox Ford is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative takes place against the backdrop of the political machinations of Tudor England, revolving around the character of Magister Udal, a learned scholar caught in the intrigues of King Henry VIII's court and the dangerous politics surrounding the King’s relationships and reign. The book vividly engages with themes of loyalty, ambition, and the turbulence of love and desire within a historical context. The opening of the novel introduces Magister Udal, who is stationed in Paris to handle correspondence for King Henry VIII and navigate the complexities of court politics. He grapples with the allure of women, including his current innkeeper, the Widow Annot, while preparing for his return to England amidst rising tensions and impending political changes. As Udal contemplates his romantic entanglements, his thoughts are woven into discussions about his duties, aspirations to climb the social ladder, and newly emerging political alliances, particularly concerning the ambitious Katharine Howard. This sets the stage for a rich exploration of personal and political dynamics in a vividly depicted historical landscape.