Author
A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley) Mason
1865-1948
A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley) Mason (1865-1948) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley) Mason
The Four Corners of the World
"The Four Corners of the World" by A. E. W. Mason is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story appears to blend elements of mystery and drama, centering around interpersonal relationships complicated by dark circumstances. The narrative hints at themes of ambition, jealousy, and perhaps even betrayal, as various characters navigate their connections with one another amidst troubling events. The opening of the novel introduces Mr. Twiss, a solicitor, who is concerned about his client Archie Cranfield, who has recently acquired a peculiar reputation for maintaining a solitary lifestyle in a remote house. Following a strange incident involving Captain Brayton, a friend of Cranfield, the plot thickens when Brayton's mysterious death leads to a complex web of relationships and implications. Twiss's unease deepens after he receives a telegram from Cranfield asking for urgent help, prompting him to return to the ominous house. The tension escalates with the discovery of Cranfield’s grim fate and the unclear motivations that surround the characters, setting the stage for a gripping tale filled with suspense and intrigue.
Witness for the Defence
"Witness for the Defence" by A. E. W. Mason is a mystery and adventure novel published in 1913. When barrister Henry Thresk encounters a photograph of Stella Derrick, a woman he once knew, he travels to India to find her trapped in an abusive marriage. After her husband is found shot dead, Stella faces murder charges. Thresk gives perjured testimony to save her, but his false witness sets in motion consequences that will haunt them both as buried truths threaten to surface.
A Romance of Wastdale
"A Romance of Wastdale" by A. E. W. Mason is a novel published in 1895. Set in England's Lake District, it follows David Gordon, who returns to a climbing retreat days before his wedding to Kate Nugent. His arrival coincides with that of Austen Hawke, his estranged former companion and romantic rival. When Gordon discovers devastating secrets about Kate's past in India and Hawke's blackmail, idealism collides with betrayal on the precipitous mountain ledges, leading to fatal consequences.
The Four Feathers
"The Four Feathers" by A. E. W. Mason is an adventure novel published in 1902. Set against the Mahdist War in Sudan, it tells the story of Harry Feversham, a British officer who resigns his commission and is branded a coward by his comrades and fiancée, who give him four white feathers. Determined to redeem himself, Harry travels alone to Sudan, where he undertakes dangerous missions to prove his courage and win back those he loves.
The House of the Arrow
"The House of the Arrow" by A. E. W. Mason is a mystery novel published in 1924. When a wealthy widow dies in Dijon, her niece Betty stands accused of murder by poison. Inspector Hanaud arrives to investigate, discovering cryptic clues including a missing arrow coated with untraceable poison and a suspicious clock. As the detective unravels a web of sealed rooms, secret passages, and carefully staged alibis, he must distinguish truth from deception before the killer strikes again.
The Summons
"The Summons" by A. E. W. Mason is a novel published in 1920. Set during the Great War, it follows Martin Hillyard, a secret service agent, and his friend Harry Luttrell, an army officer determined to restore his regiment's tarnished honor. Their parallel missions intertwine with romance, espionage, and tragedy when Luttrell falls for Joan Whitworth, who becomes entangled with a suspected German spy. A mysterious death threatens to destroy reputations and futures in this adventure drawn from Mason's own wartime experiences.
The Winding Stair
"The Winding Stair" by A. E. W. Mason is a novel published in 1923. Set in Morocco, it follows Paul Ravenel's quest to restore honor to his family name after his father's disgrace in British India. When Ravenel falls in love with Marguerite Lambert, a penniless Englishwoman, their relationship leads him into desertion and exile. Living under an assumed identity, he must find redemption through one final, dangerous mission that could cost him everything.
At the Villa Rose
"At the Villa Rose" by A. E. W. Mason is a detective novel published in 1910. When a wealthy widow is murdered and her jewels stolen in Aix les Bains, suspicion falls on her young English companion, who has mysteriously vanished. Inspector Hanaud of the French police agrees to investigate at the urging of a desperate Englishman who believes in the woman's innocence. The case involves spiritualism, séances, and deception, leading Hanaud into a complex web of trickery and crime.
Green Stockings: A Comedy in Three Acts
"Green Stockings: A Comedy in Three Acts" by A. E. W. Mason is a theatrical play written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around the lives and relationships of the Faraday family, particularly focusing on their eldest daughter, Celia, and her perceived struggles with marriage and societal expectations. The play captures the themes of love, family dynamics, and societal pressures with a comedic tone, reflecting the norms and customs of its time. At the start of the play, the scene is set in the elegant drawing room of the Faraday household, where the characters engage in lively conversation about the return of Celia, who has been away for a week. The dialogue introduces the characters, revealing their personalities and relationships. Phyllis is eager to marry but feels overshadowed by her older sister Celia, whom the others view as a spinster. A sense of urgency develops as it becomes clear that Celia’s presence complicates Phyllis's romantic intentions with Bobby Tarver. As the act unfolds, Celia arrives home drenched from the rain, hinting at her resilience despite her social circumstances and the jokes made about her by the family. The lighthearted banter gradually reveals deeper tensions regarding marriage and independence, setting the stage for Celia's pivotal role in the unfolding comedy and her unconventional approach to navigating her societal constraints.
The Broken Road
"The Broken Road" by A. E. W. Mason is a novel published in 1907, set in India during British rule. When a strategic road project sparks local resistance and bloodshed, young Dick Linforth grows up determined to complete his father's unfinished work. His childhood friendship with an Indian prince, educated in England alongside him, seems promising—until both men fall for the same woman and political tensions force the prince to choose between two worlds. Mason's story of ambition, loyalty, and colonial conflict exposed injustices that prompted real governmental reform.
Parson Kelly
"Parson Kelly" by A. E. W. Mason and Andrew Lang is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. Set in the early 18th century, the story revolves around the titular character, Parson Kelly, and his entanglements in a plot supporting the Jacobite cause during a time of political intrigue in England and France. The narrative hints at themes of loyalty, friendship, and the blend of lowly affairs with grand conspiracies. The opening of the book introduces us to Nicholas Wogan, a retired colonel involved in plotting for King James's cause, and his lively friend, Parson Kelly, who often finds himself in humorous yet precarious situations. Their fates intertwine as they navigate the snowy streets of Paris, where Wogan energetically meets Kelly amid some bickering about their secrets and political affairs. The dialogue showcases their camaraderie, revealing their contrasting personalities—Wogan with his boldness and joviality, and Kelly displaying a kind of cautious prudence. As they discuss their endeavors and the nature of their business, the stage is set for an engaging, character-driven exploration of their adventures and the elaborate schemes that unfold, accompanied by satirical humor and keen observations of societal norms.
The Courtship of Morrice Buckler: A Romance
"The Courtship of Morrice Buckler: A Romance" by A. E. W. Mason is a novel published in 1896. When his friend faces execution after a treasonous charge, Morrice Buckler embarks on a dangerous mission of honor that leads him to a deadly duel in an Austrian castle. Years later, he falls in love with the beautiful Countess Lukstein, unaware she is the widow of the man he killed—a secret that will entangle them both in misunderstanding, betrayal, and captivity before truth can prevail.
The Truants
"The Truants" by A. E. W. Mason is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the lives of two characters, Pamela Mardale and Tony Stretton, exploring themes of personal aspiration, societal expectations, and the effects of isolation on relationships. The narrative also introduces M. Giraud, a schoolmaster, highlighting the complexities of unfulfilled potential and the burdens of friendship. At the start of the novel, we meet Pamela Mardale, a young woman who appears vibrant and engaged with her surroundings but is secretly struggling with her own desires. The opening chapters set up her relationships with Giraud, who becomes her history tutor, and her mother, who has ambitious plans for her future. Meanwhile, the story shifts to Tony Stretton and his wife, Millie, who live under the oppressive shadow of his father, Sir John, in a house filled with the threat of stagnation. As Tony prepares to leave for a new venture, the pressures of their situation and Millie's emotional turmoil bring a poignant gravity to their lives. The themes of longing and the desire for escape are woven throughout the narrative, urging both characters to confront their challenges and navigate their changing realities.
The Watchers: A Novel
"The Watchers: A Novel" by A. E. W. Mason is a historical fiction novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in the 18th century, particularly during July 1758, and revolves around a young lad named Dick Parmiter who arrives in London with important news that he wishes to share in private. The characters include Lieutenant Clutterbuck, who appears to be entangled in both drinking merriment and deeper reflections, and Cullen Mayle, whose past misdeeds cast a shadow on the lives of those in the story. At the start of the novel, the atmosphere is lively, with Clutterbuck's apartment depicting a chaotic scene of revelry. As the party unfolds, Dick Parmiter unexpectedly enters to deliver news about the death of Adam Mayle, which is met with cynicism and hostility from the partygoers, especially Clutterbuck. Dick reveals he has come with a purpose, wishing to speak with Clutterbuck alone, reflecting his serious intent amid the frivolity around him. However, the relationships and tensions between the characters, especially surrounding the enigmatic Cullen Mayle, hint at darker undertones that suggest trouble ahead, setting the stage for a complex narrative unraveling as events unfold.
The Turnstile
"The Turnstile" by A. E. W. Mason is a political novel published in 1912. Cynthia Daventry marries Captain Harry Rames, a promising politician who once led Antarctic expeditions. While she works tirelessly to advance his parliamentary career, she suspects his ambitions mask deeper longings. When Rames abandons politics for a dangerous return to the frozen South, Cynthia must confront her own childhood fears and discover whether their marriage can survive his passion for exploration.
Clementina
"Clementina" by A. E. W. Mason is a historical adventure romance novel published in 1901. Based on true events from 1719, it follows Irish soldier Charles Wogan on a daring mission to rescue Polish princess Clementina Sobieska from imprisonment by the Holy Roman Emperor. Wogan must deliver her safely to marry James Stuart, the Jacobite claimant to the British throne. During their perilous flight across enemy territory, Wogan and Clementina fall deeply in love, forcing them to choose between personal happiness and duty.
The Affair at the Semiramis Hotel
"The Affair at the Semiramis Hotel" by A. E. W. Mason is a detective novella published in 1917. When a fashionable young man arrives at his friend's breakfast table with a desperate tale, Inspector Hanaud must determine whether the story is real or drug-induced hallucination. A masked ball, a stolen pearl necklace, a murdered guest, and a terrified opera singer who claims she witnessed the crime—all lead to a theatrical trap that unmasks a killer hiding in plain sight.
Miranda of the Balcony: A Story
"Miranda of the Balcony: A Story" by A. E. W. Mason is a novel published in 1899. When Miranda Warriner's disgraced husband disappears and is presumed dead, she retreats to seclusion in Spain. Years later, a young engineer meets her in London and senses she needs help. Soon Miranda is drawn into a blackmail scheme involving dangerous secrets: her husband may still be alive and engaged in illegal activities. A rescue mission across Morocco will test loyalties and uncover the truth about love, betrayal, and freedom.
Running Water
"Running Water" by A. E. W. Mason is a novel written during the early 20th century, specifically in 1907. The story appears to revolve around the complex relationships and emotional undercurrents among its central characters, notably Mrs. Thesiger and her daughter Sylvia. Through their journey to Chamonix, the narrative sets the stage for themes of nostalgia, loss, and the quest for companionship. At the start of the novel, Mrs. Thesiger is introduced as a woman accustomed to a life of travel with her daughter, Sylvia, who is portrayed as gentle and introspective. Their relationship hints at a deeper tension, as Mrs. Thesiger grapples with her fears regarding what her daughter might know about her past. Sylvia's passion for the mountains is vividly depicted through her dreams and thoughts, which become a source of inspiration and longing, as she yearns for adventure and connection. The opening portion lays the groundwork for an emotionally rich narrative that will likely explore the interplay of personal relationships amidst the backdrop of stunning alpine scenery and societal expectations.
Ensign Knightley, and Other Stories
"Ensign Knightley and Other Stories" by A. E. W. Mason is a collection of narratives crafted during the early 20th century. The opening story, "Ensign Knightley," introduces us to a tense moment in Tangier during the late 17th century, featuring the character Ensign Knightley, who returns from captivity and faces both suspicion and unresolved tensions among his fellow officers regarding his past. At the start of the collection, readers meet Surgeon Wyley, who arrives at the Main-Guard to find Major Shackleton and several officers preoccupied with their games and fears of an impending Moorish attack. The introduction of Knightley, back from two years of slavery, stirs complex emotions, particularly between him and Captain Scrope, hinting at a past duel over Knightley's wife, further complicated by Wyley's probing into this history. As Knightley navigates his welcome and confronts the shadows of his past, the narrative unfolds a web of honor, betrayal, and the haunting weight of memory. The chapter sets a compelling stage for exploration of themes of loyalty, courage, and the impact of unaddressed conflicts.
Lawrence Clavering
No description available.
The Royal Exchange : $b a note on the occasion of the bicentenary of the Royal Exchange Assurance
"The Royal Exchange : a note on the occasion of the bicentenary of the Royal…" by A. E. W. Mason is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book is both a chronicle of London's Royal Exchange—a physical and symbolic hub of English commerce—and a commemorative piece marking the 200th anniversary of the Royal Exchange Assurance Corporation. Combining richly detailed historical narration with a focus on financial and social developments, the work explores the evolution of the Exchange itself, its destruction and reconstructions, and the intertwined history of British insurance. It is likely intended for readers interested in the heritage of London's commercial institutions and the development of the insurance industry. The book traces the story of the Royal Exchange through three major buildings, beginning with its founding by Sir Thomas Gresham in the Elizabethan era, continuing through its destruction in the Great Fire of London and later by another fire in the 19th century, and culminating in its Victorian reconstruction. Alongside the architectural and social history of the Exchange, Mason discusses the rise of the insurance industry, especially during periods like the South Sea Bubble, and the eventual foundation and growth of the Royal Exchange Assurance Corporation. The narrative covers the origins of insurance practices, the societal changes in London, notable episodes of speculation and fraud, and the evolution of business methods and public trust. Ultimately, the work celebrates the enduring presence and reputation of the Royal Exchange and its associated Assurance Corporation amidst the profound transformations in British economic and civic life.
The Philanderers
"The Philanderers" by A. E. W. Mason is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds against a backdrop of colonial Africa and centers around the complex moral dilemmas faced by its characters, particularly Captain Stephen Drake, who grapples with issues of authority, justice, and personal ambition. The opening portion of the book establishes a tense atmosphere, where five Englishmen are gathered around a campfire in the African wilderness, discussing the moral implications of punishing a fellow European for crimes against native villagers. The main character, Captain Stephen Drake, is confronted with the need to maintain the white man’s prestige while grappling with the realities of moral responsibility. In the prologue, a convict named Gorley is brought to face execution in a chilling illustration of authority and its implications in a colonial context. As the narrative transitions to England, the focus shifts to Drake’s return and his complex relationships with characters such as Hugh Fielding and Sidney Mallinson, setting the stage for a compelling exploration of personal motives against the rich backdrop of societal expectations.