Author
Max Pemberton
1863-1950
Max Pemberton (1863-1950) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Max Pemberton
The Iron Pirate: A Plain Tale of Strange Happenings on the Sea
"The Iron Pirate: A Plain Tale of Strange Happenings on the Sea" by Max Pemberton is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Mark Strong, a young man who encounters a mysterious figure known as the Perfect Fool, whose erratic behavior leads them into a world of intrigue and danger brimming with strange happenings on the sea. Through their travels, the narrative unfolds elements of adventure, deception, and the quest for truth in an era of maritime excitement. At the start of the novel, the protagonist, Mark Strong, is introduced as he travels from Calais to Paris, accompanied by the Perfect Fool, Martin Hall, and his friends Roderick and Mary. Hall catches Mark’s attention with his bizarre personality, and their journey leads to a surprising revelation as Hall hints at a secret mission tied to a potential danger he foresees. As they settle into their trip, Hall confesses that if he does not return in three days, Mark must carry out a mysterious task involving a sealed packet of documents. The opening sets a tone of camaraderie, light-heartedness, and budding peril, as the characters find themselves on the brink of an adventure that promises to intertwine their fates with the shadowy undercurrents of the sea.
Jewel Mysteries, from a Dealer's Note Book
"Jewel Mysteries, from a Dealer's Note Book" by Max Pemberton is a collection of fictional narratives centered around the world of jewelry dealing, likely written in the early 20th century. The book intertwines elements of mystery and intrigue, focusing on the complex relationships that develop between jewelers and their clients, often set against the backdrop of theft, deception, and the allure of precious gems. The opening chapter introduces the main character, a jeweler whose keen eye for quality and invaluable experience makes him both a target and a participant in various jewel-related dramas. The opening of the book sets the stage for a meeting between the jeweler and a mysterious man, Steniloff Carmalovitch, who presents a magnificent opal for sale. As the jeweler inspects the stone, he becomes increasingly suspicious of the man's motives, considering the opal's stunning quality juxtaposed against the man's shabby appearance. The tension builds as the jeweler navigates his intrigue and moral quandary surrounding the purchase, seeking to uncover the stone's history while being wary of the potential that it may have been obtained illegitimately. This captivating beginning hooks the reader into the interconnected tales of value, deception, and the lives behind the jewels, promising an engaging exploration of human nature surrounding wealth and worth.
The Diamond Ship
"The Diamond Ship" by Max Pemberton is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative introduces us to Dr. Ean Fabos, a wealthy and enigmatic character, as well as his friend Timothy McShanus, a journalist who serves as the story's voice. The plot revolves around intrigue, adventure, and the search for stolen jewels, particularly focusing on Fabos's quest to recover the bronze pearls that he believes have been worn by the captivating Joan Fordibras. The beginning of the story sets the stage for a night at a Fancy Fair in Kensington, where Fabos makes an unexpected connection with Joan, whose father possesses jewels believed to belong to Fabos. This encounter ignites a series of events that unveils deeper mysteries, including a potential conspiracy surrounding his stolen treasures. As the narrative unfolds, it establishes Fabos's complex character—intelligent and charismatic yet haunted by his past—and hints at the adventure and danger that lie ahead in his quest for the truth behind the diamonds.
Christine of the hills
"Christine of the Hills" by Max Pemberton is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Christine, a girl with an intriguing past marked by hardship and resilience, as she navigates the complexities of love, family, and societal expectations. The narrative begins with her sudden reappearance from obscurity, stirring the interest of those around her and setting the stage for her journey through life’s trials. At the start of the novel, the narrator and the boatman, Barbarossa, journey to an island in the Adriatic Sea where Christine lives. Upon their arrival, they glimpse the girl, a striking figure blending vulnerability and strength, set against the lush beauty of her surroundings. The old man, who cares deeply for Christine, recalls her tragic childhood filled with suffering, abandonment, and the longing for a better life. Through Barbarossa’s eyes, readers witness the enormous potential and challenges awaiting Christine as her story unfolds. The unfolding events suggest a mixture of romance and hardship in the life of a girl who yearns for freedom and love amidst the constraints of her world.
White Motley: A Novel
"White Motley: A Novel" by Max Pemberton is a fiction work written in the early 20th century. The narrative introduces themes of social class and personal ambition through its richly drawn characters, particularly focusing on the intriguing figure of Mrs. Kennaird, also referred to as the "little widow," and her interactions with a motley company of winter sports enthusiasts in the Swiss Alps. The story hints at entangled pasts and the pursuit of new beginnings against the backdrop of winter sports and ghostly rumors. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the elegantly aged New House at Holmswell and its former occupants, Sir Luton Delayne and his wife, Lady Delayne, whose tragic separation sets the stage for the story's exploration of personal struggles and societal norms. The narrative quickly shifts to a group of British travelers heading to the ski resort of Andana, including the endearing, somewhat bumbling Benny Benson, who longs to prove himself as an aviator. As they journey through the picturesque Swiss landscape, the interactions between Mrs. Kennaird and Benny—a character burdened by a sense of inferiority due to his less privileged background—begin to develop, setting up an engaging exploration of ambitions, identities, and the pursuit of happiness amidst the specter of their respective pasts.
The Garden of Swords
"The Garden of Swords" by Max Pemberton is a novel written during the late 19th century. This work delves into the intersecting lives of characters in the backdrop of impending war, focusing on the lives of Beatrix, an English woman married to a French soldier, Edmond Lefort, and the emotional complexities they face amid the atmosphere of love and conflict leading up to the Franco-Prussian War. At the start of the novel, the story unfolds in Strasbourg, where the wedding of Edmond Lefort and Beatrix Hamilton is both a joyous occasion and a moment of poignant reflection for the old man Père Bonot, who recalls his own past. The vibrant social scene at the castle, filled with dignitaries from the military and local townspeople, juxtaposes the narrator's insights into the characters' emotional states as they confront feelings of love and nostalgia. As the festivities unfold, an undercurrent of tension simmers regarding the imminent war, which looms over the lives of the newlyweds and the local populace, foreshadowing the drastic changes that are soon to come, setting the stage for the conflicts and emotional turmoil that will ensue.
Swords Reluctant
"Swords Reluctant" by Max Pemberton is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Gabrielle Silvester, the daughter of a Congregationalist minister, as she navigates the social and political complexities of her world following her return to England from America. With themes of peace, war, and the struggles of personal ambition, the narrative promises to delve into the political climate of the time through the interactions between Gabrielle, her father Gordon, and various significant figures such as the ambitious businessman John Faber. The opening portion of "Swords Reluctant" introduces us to Gabrielle, who has just returned from a transformative trip to America with her father, who was engaged in a peace initiative. As she reflects on her changed perceptions of life and society back in Hampstead, we see her grappling with newfound desires and ambitions, influenced by the exciting experiences she had aboard the ocean liner. The narrative quickly shifts to her father’s intriguing discussions about peace efforts and influential figures, particularly Faber, a millionaire characterized by his harsh pragmatism towards war and human nature. Gabrielle's internal struggle between her past and her burgeoning ambitions sets the stage for the broader conflicts concerning ideals of peace and the reality of human nature that will likely play out through the novel.
The Lady Evelyn: A Story of To-day
"The Lady Evelyn: A Story of To-day" by Max Pemberton is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around themes of ambition, identity, and societal expectations as it introduces the central characters, Gavin Ord, a promising architect, and Etta Romney, a young woman living under a false identity as she pursues her dreams. Set against the backdrop of an aristocratic English house, Melbourne Hall, the narrative explores the complexities of life that the characters navigate in their quest for success and acceptance. At the start of the book, we meet Gavin Ord as he arrives at the Derbyshire mansion of Lord Melbourne. He is depicted as a talented architect summoned to restore the dilapidated estate. In stark contrast, the narrative hints at Etta Romney's secretive past as she embarks on an audacious adventure to act on stage while concealing her true identity as the Earl's daughter. The opening chapters set a tone of intrigue, with a spectral encounter by the river foreshadowing a blend of romance, mystery, and the ensuing consequences of their choices as Etta strives to embrace life beyond the confines of her aristocratic upbringing.
Aladdin of London; Or, Lodestar
"Aladdin of London; Or, Lodestar" by Max Pemberton is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins in the grim surroundings of the East End of London, focusing on themes of class struggle and personal redemption. The main character, Alban Kennedy, is a young man caught between his aristocratic heritage and his present poverty, grappling with the societal injustices that confine him while also finding himself fascinated by the lives of both the elite and the impoverished. The opening of the book introduces readers to a meeting in a rundown hall where Paul Boriskoff, a Polish refugee, passionately recounts his past sufferings caused by betrayal and injustice. His emotional appeal resonates with a varied assembly of socio-political exiles, including Asiatics and Eastern Europeans, who share in his struggles. As the narrative unfolds, we also meet Alban Kennedy, who navigates his life as one of the "East Enders," and his interactions with Lois Boriskoff hint at a budding romance. Throughout this introductory portion, themes of love, aspiration, and a longing for belonging are hinted at, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of Alban's journey as he seeks to reconcile his past with his future amidst the backdrop of societal turmoil and personal ambition.
The House Under the Sea: A Romance
"The House Under the Sea: A Romance" by Max Pemberton is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Jasper Begg, a seaman who embarks on a mysterious journey to Ken's Island, ostensibly at the behest of his former mistress, Ruth Bellenden, who is now married to a foreigner. As he travels, the narrative hints at themes of romantic longing, adventure, and the complexities of human relationships. At the start of the novel, Jasper Begg narrates the context of his voyage aboard the steamship Southern Cross to the Pacific Ocean, where he aims to reach Ken's Island. The crew, initially unaware of their true destination, speculates about the purpose of their journey. As they arrive at the island, Jasper is reminded of Ruth and reflects on their past connection. The opening introduces a sense of mystique and foreboding, as Jasper encounters curious sights and hints at underlying tensions, including the potential danger awaiting him as he seeks to reconnect with Ruth in her new, unsettling surroundings. The atmosphere becomes charged with suspense as he prepares to confront not only the physical challenges of the island but also the emotional complexities of his reunion with Ruth, suggesting a narrative rich in adventure and romantic intrigue.
The Man Who Drove the Car
"The Man Who Drove the Car" by Max Pemberton is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is centered around Lal Britten, a cab driver who finds himself entwined in an unexpected series of events involving a mysterious gentleman and a host of eccentric characters. As the plot unfolds, Britten navigates through a night of peculiar encounters, including a surreal party and what appears to be a duel, revealing layers of social intrigue and dark humor. At the start of the book, we meet Lal Britten as he reflects on his experiences as a chauffeur, specifically recounting a night spent driving Fauny Dartel and encountering a charming, enigmatic nobleman, Lord Crossborough. This initial encounter sets the stage for a night filled with unexpected turns and considerable mystery. Britten’s curiosity is piqued when he's asked to drive Lord Crossborough to an all-night affair that spirals into a chaotic sequence, suggesting not just the ludicrousness of high society but also hinting at deeper troubles that will unfold. As the story progresses, the line between madness and social class starts to blur, leaving readers eager to discover the twists ahead.
The Great White Army
"The Great White Army" by Max Pemberton is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set during the tumultuous period of Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812, focusing on the experiences of Surgeon-Major Constant, a veteran who survives the harrowing retreat from Moscow. The novel explores themes of war, mortality, and human resilience, centering on Constant and his young nephew Léon as they navigate the chaos of an enemy-occupied city. At the start of the book, the reader is introduced to Janil de Constant as he witnesses the spectacular yet ominous entry into Moscow, believing they have won a decisive victory. However, the initial celebration soon gives way to treachery and violence, as Constant finds himself embroiled in a dangerous situation involving a mysterious dead man and a lady named Valerie. During his attempts to escape, he discovers a sinister plot, confronts armed convicts, and seeks refuge with Valerie in a hidden chapel. The opening chapters set the stage for a gripping tale of survival amidst the backdrop of war, drawing readers in with its rich historical context and vivid characterizations.