Subject
France -- History -- 15th century -- Fiction Books
Best books
J.-K. (Joris-Karl) Huysmans
Là-bas
"Là-bas" by J.-K. Huysmans is a novel published in 1891. It follows Durtal, a writer disgusted with modern life, who seeks refuge in studying the medieval child-murderer Gilles de Rais. His research leads him into the occult underworld of fin de siècle Paris, where he discovers that Satanism thrives in contemporary France. With his lover Madame Chantelouve, Durtal investigates this hidden world, culminating in a notorious Black Mass. The novel stirred immediate controversy and was banned from French railway stations.
S. R. (Samuel Rutherford) Crockett
The Black Douglas
"The Black Douglas" by S. R. Crockett is a historical fantasy novel published in 1899. Set in fifteenth-century Scotland and France, it follows the powerful Earl of Douglas as he becomes entangled with a mysterious woman and the sinister Gilles de Retz. Blending history with supernatural elements including werewolves and dark sorcery, the story weaves romance, betrayal, and heroic rescue. This influential work notably inspired elements of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings."
S. (Sabine) Baring-Gould
Noémi
"Noémi" by S. Baring-Gould is a historical novel published in 1895. Set in fifteenth-century Aquitaine during English occupation, the story follows a countryside terrorized by Le Gros Guillem, a feared freebooter who raids from his stronghold at Domme. When desperate peasants rally under local leader Ogier del' Peyra to fight back, Guillem's daughter Noémi—a spirited beauty turned bandit—must choose between her father's violent world and her love for Ogier's son. The tale blends thrilling action with romance against the backdrop of a brutal historical period.
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