Subject
England -- Social life and customs -- 17th century -- Fiction Books
Best books
G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford) James
The Robber, A Tale.
"The Robber, A Tale" by G. P. R. James is a novel written in the early 19th century. The story unfolds in a picturesque setting known as merry England, portraying the stark contrast between the court and the countryside during a time steeped in tradition and the remnants of feudal influence. The narrative centers around the character of Captain Henry Langford, a young man with a mysterious past who is drawn into a complex web of relationships and conflicts, particularly in relation to the enchanting Alice Herbert and her noble father, Sir Walter Herbert. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Langford as he arrives in a quaint country town during a beautiful May morning. He appears to be an angler, but his thoughts reveal deeper concerns as he contemplates his past and future. As he engages with the jovial landlord Gregory Myrtle, we learn of the local community and the tensions that simmer beneath its surface, including recent robberies. The opening chapters effectively establish the serene yet charged atmosphere of rural life, introduces significant characters, and sets up the impending drama linked to Langford's interactions with Alice Herbert and her suitor, Lord Harold, hinting at intriguing emotional and social conflicts to unfold.
H. B. Marriott (Henry Brereton Marriott) Watson
The High Toby Being further chapters in the life and fortunes of Dick Ryder, otherwise Galloping Dick, sometime gentleman of the road
"The High Toby" by H. B. Marriott Watson is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story focuses on the character Dick Ryder, also known as Galloping Dick, who is depicted as a gentleman of the road navigating a life of adventure and intrigue. Set against a backdrop that intertwines romance with the perils of highway robbery, the narrative looks at the escapades and fortunes of its protagonist. At the start of the book, the reader is introduced to Dick Ryder, a notorious highwayman, as he recounts a past incident involving a robbery that leads to unexpected circumstances. Ryder describes a fateful encounter with a coach carrying passengers, which introduces him to a suave gentleman, Sir Gilbert Avory, and a young woman named Mrs. Barbara Crawford. Throughout this portion, Ryder's wit and bravado shine as he contemplates the moral intricacies of his undertakings while being drawn into a plot of pursuit and kidnapping. The scene sets the tone for a story filled with adventures, deception, and the complexities of human interaction in a whimsical yet dangerous world.
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