Subject
Edinburgh (Scotland) -- Fiction Books
Best books
S. R. (Samuel Rutherford) Crockett
Cleg Kelly, Arab of the City: His Progress and Adventures
"Cleg Kelly, Arab of the City: His Progress and Adventures" by S. R. Crockett is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book chronicles the life and misadventures of an eleven-year-old boy named Cleg Kelly, a mischievous and defiant youth who becomes an outcast after rejecting the religious teachings at his local Sunday school. The story sets the stage for Cleg's journey through the streets of Edinburgh, exploring themes of childhood, rebellion, and survival in a harsh urban environment. The opening of the novel introduces Cleg Kelly's character and his expulsion from the Hunker Court mission school. During an exasperating encounter with the superintendent, Cleg brazenly declares, “It's all a dumb lie—God's dead!” This bold statement leads to his being expelled, marking the beginning of his outsider status. As he leaves the school, Cleg demonstrates a blend of bravado and vulnerability, indicating his tumultuous home life filled with neglect and abuse. The narrative quickly delves into Cleg's adventures, highlighting his resourcefulness and unruly spirit as he navigates the streets and contemplates adopting a life of crime. The reader is left anticipating how these early missteps will shape his future adventures and character growth throughout the story.
James M'Govan
Traced and Tracked; Or, Memoirs of a City Detective
"Traced and Tracked; Or, Memoirs of a City Detective" by James M'Govan is a collection of detective tales written in the late 19th century. The text delves into the life and experiences of a city detective, presumably the author himself, as he investigates various crimes and encounters criminals in his line of duty. The book captures the intricacies of crime-solving in urban settings, highlighting the interplay of cunning, deception, and human behavior. The opening of the memoir introduces a case involving a Yorkshire thief named Dave Larkins, known for his agile street robberies. M'Govan recounts how Larkins, characterized by his red hair and distinctive dress, evades capture despite his notoriety. The narrative unfolds as Larkins forms an alliance with a seemingly dimwitted Scottish man, Jake Mackay, nicknamed "The Gander." As they prepare for a racing event, their plans are filled with intrigue and treachery, hinting at complex relationships between thieves and the detective's relentless pursuit to bring them to justice. The chapter sets the tone for a thrilling exploration of crime and detection within the urban landscape.
Alexander Leighton
Romances of the old town of Edinburgh
"Romances of the Old Town of Edinburgh" by Alexander Leighton is a collection of historical tales written in the late 19th century. The stories explore various legends and romanticized accounts from Edinburgh's past, weaving together themes of love, loss, and mystery. The author’s engaging narrative style brings to life the richness of Edinburgh’s history and folklore, providing readers with an immersive glimpse into its old-town charm. The opening of the collection begins with "The Story of the Two Red Slippers," where the tale unfolds around a couple, Annie Yellowlees and her suitor John Menelaws, during the time of Prince Charlie's occupation. Their budding romance takes a twist with the introduction of Richard Templeton, a royalist in hiding who seeks refuge in Annie's home. As Annie navigates her feelings amidst the political turmoil and the presence of her father’s counsel, the plot thickens with the mysterious disappearance of Templeton, leading to a discovery that dramatically alters Annie's future. The blending of personal and historical stakes sets the tone for the imaginative and nostalgic stories to follow in the collection.
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