Author
Edward Lucas White
1866-1934
Edward Lucas White (1866-1934) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Edward Lucas White
Andivius Hedulio: Adventures of a Roman Nobleman in the Days of the Empire
"Andivius Hedulio: Adventures of a Roman Nobleman in the Days of the Empire" by Edward Lucas White is a historical novel written during the early 20th century. The book follows the adventures of the titular character, Andivius Hedulio, a Roman nobleman navigating the complexities of life and misfortune during the Roman Empire, particularly in the troubled days under Emperor Commodus. The narrative hints at themes of nobility, societal expectations, and the personal trials faced by those of status, providing a backdrop of historical context woven into a personal tale. At the start of the story, Hedulio reflects on the moment his life took a drastic turn from tranquility to chaos, marking the beginning of his troubles intertwined with imperial politics and personal relationships. He recounts his wealth and favorable standing, hoping to marry a wealthy widow, when a sudden visit from an unexpected guest disrupts his calm life. This prompt encounter foreshadows a descent into conflict as he navigates the feuds between powerful neighbors while dealing with tenants and the complexities of Roman society. The opening serves to establish Hedulio's character as a man caught between ambition and the whims of fate, hinting at the broader themes of loyalty, power, and the unpredictable nature of life during the Roman Empire.
The Unwilling Vestal
"The Unwilling Vestal" by Edward Lucas White is a historical novel set in ancient Rome during the era of the Caesars, first published in the early 20th century. The story explores the life of Brinnaria, a strong-willed young girl who fiercely opposes her father's plans to arrange her marriage to an unwelcome suitor. When faced with the threat of being offered to become a Vestal Virgin – a prestigious yet restrictive role – Brinnaria's spirited defiance against the constraints of Roman society takes center stage, setting the scene for a tale of love, duty, and personal choice. The opening of the novel introduces Brinnaria in a heated exchange with her father, who insists that she marry a man she detests. Rather than capitulating, Brinnaria asserts her independence, declaring her love for another, Caius, and revealing her desire to make her own choices about her future. The tension escalates when her father threatens to offer her as a Vestal due to her rebellion, leading to an intense moment of fear as she grapples with the implications of such a fate. As Brinnaria navigates her impending role within the societal expectations of her time, her dynamic personality shines through, marking her as a protagonist ready to challenge the norms and forge her destiny.
Lukundoo, and other stories
“Lukundoo, and other stories” by Edward Lucas White is a collection of short fiction written in the early 20th century. The volume brings together tales spanning the supernatural, the uncanny, and adventure, often blending horror and psychological suspense. The opening stories suggest a mix of exotic locales, mysterious diseases, dark folklore, and the testing of human character under extraordinary duress, introducing characters like Singleton, Etcham, Van Rieten, and Thorkell Vilgerdson as they confront bizarre and sometimes terrifying events. The opening of the collection begins with "Lukundoo," where a group of men is drawn into a chilling tale recounting Singleton’s harrowing African experience. The narrative quickly introduces an atmosphere of mystery and dread: Singleton, typically reticent about his time in Africa, describes the plight of Stone, an extraordinary explorer afflicted by a grotesque and inexplicable malady that bewilders and terrifies his companions. As Singleton and his party seek to aid the suffering man, they encounter eerie manifestations—including strange voices, sinister swellings, and unnatural growths that blur the boundaries between folklore, sorcery, and disease—culminating in a climactic confrontation with the unknown. The subsequent opening of "Floki’s Blade" shifts to saga-like adventure, following Thorkell Vilgerdson as he is betrayed and cast adrift, only to begin a new chapter of trials and alliances in Iceland. Through these beginnings, the collection establishes its tone of suspenseful, character-driven tales steeped in the supernatural and the extraordinary.