King of Ranleigh: A School Story

by F. S. (Frederick Sadleir) Brereton

"King of Ranleigh: A School Story" by Captain F. S. Brereton is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. This coming-of-age tale follows Clive Darrell, a spirited young boy navigating the trials of boyhood and school life as he embarks on a journey to the fictional Ranleigh school. The story introduces themes of friendship, rivalry, and adventure, particularly through the interactions between Clive and his friends Hugh and Bert as they confront the bullying presence of a newcomer, Rawlings. The opening of the novel establishes Clive and his friends in a workshop where they are busy planning revenge against Rawlings, who has ordered them off a path that was once part of their home. Clive's inventive spirit shines when he devises a humorous trap to embarrass Rawlings, leading to a series of misadventures. As Clive prepares to leave for Ranleigh, excitement and anxiety mix, and he looks forward to a new life at school, hoping for camaraderie and opportunity amidst the backdrop of looming conflicts with his rivals. The chapter sets the tone for the adventures and challenges that will unfold as Clive and his friends settle into their new environment.