Subject
Architects -- Fiction Books
Best books
John Meade Falkner
雲形紋章
"雲形紋章" by John Meade Falkner is an adventure novel published in 1898. Set in eighteenth-century England, it follows young orphan John Trenchard who stumbles upon a smuggling operation hidden in his village church's crypt. When he discovers a cryptic message pointing to a legendary diamond stolen from King Charles I, John embarks on a dangerous quest involving treasure hunting, betrayal, and shipwreck. His journey spans years of hardship and takes him far from his coastal village of Moonfleet—and the girl he loves.
Thomas Hardy
A Laodicean : A Story of To-day
"A Laodicean: A Story of To-day" by Thomas Hardy is a novel published in 1880-81. Paula Power inherits a medieval castle and finds herself torn between two suitors: George Somerset, a modern London architect, and Captain De Stancy, representing aristocratic tradition. When De Stancy's illegitimate son schemes to manipulate Paula's affections through falsified telegrams and photographs, the resulting deceptions threaten to destroy her chance at happiness. This unusual Hardy tale explores the conflict between modernity and romantic medievalism through intrigue and subterfuge.
Meredith Nicholson
The hope of happiness
"The Hope of Happiness" by Meredith Nicholson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around Bruce Storrs, a young man grappling with the revelation of his mother’s past and the complex emotions stemming from her confession regarding his true paternity. As he navigates the challenges of establishing himself in a new city and confronting his familial legacy, themes of identity, aspiration, and the search for belonging emerge. The opening of the novel introduces Bruce as he swims in a tranquil river, reflecting on the summer's ease, before he immerses himself in reading letters from his deceased mother that reveal the hidden truths of his parentage. These letters not only uncover a long-buried secret but shape Bruce's resolve to learn about his biological father, Franklin Mills, who lives in the same city to which he has come. As Bruce absorbs his mother's words, he contemplates the implications of his mixed heritage and sets off on a journey that promises to not only test his character but also lead him to new friendships and opportunities as he enters the vibrant social life of the city.
John Meade Falkner
The Nebuly Coat
"The Nebuly Coat" by J. Meade Falkner is a suspense novel published in 1903. When young architect Edward Westray arrives in the remote town of Cullerne to supervise cathedral restoration work, he becomes entangled in local mysteries and rumors surrounding the Lord Blandamer title. As the new Lord Blandamer appears, offering to fund the entire restoration, Westray grows suspicious that the nobleman harbors secrets. The novel weaves together architecture, heraldry, and aristocratic intrigue in a Gothic mystery.
Arnold Bennett
The Roll-Call
"The Roll-Call" by Arnold Bennett is a novel written in the early 20th century, likely around the time of the Edwardian era. The book revolves around George Edwin Cannon, an ambitious young architect who is navigating his professional life in London while simultaneously exploring his personal relationships, particularly with Marguerite Haim, the daughter of his landlady. The themes of ambition, romance, and the struggles of aspiring artists in a competitive world are integral to the story, set against a backdrop of burgeoning urban life. The opening of the novel introduces George and his workplace at Lucas & Enwright architects, where he is an articled pupil. George is contemplating a move from the Orgreave’s home, which he shares, expressing a desire to live in Chelsea—a place he perceives as artistically vibrant. His first encounter with Mr. Haim, the factotum of the office who owns the house where George will soon stay, leads him to discover Marguerite, a young woman engaged in artistic pursuits. As George navigates his daily responsibilities and aspirations, he is clearly infatuated by Marguerite's presence, and their relationship promises to develop into a broader exploration of love and artistic ambition amidst the complexities of life in early 20th-century London.
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