Subject
Great Britain -- History -- James II, 1685-1688 -- Fiction Books
Best books
Victor Hugo
The Man Who Laughs: A Romance of English History
"The Man Who Laughs: A Romance of English History" by Victor Hugo is a Gothic novel published in 1869. Set in late 17th-century England, it follows Gwynplaine, a young nobleman disfigured as a child by royal command, his face carved into a permanent grin. Traveling with a philosopher and a blind girl he rescued, Gwynplaine becomes a carnival performer whose grotesque smile provokes laughter and desire. When his true identity surfaces, he's thrust into a cruel aristocratic world that destroyed him, forcing a confrontation between his past and present.
Victor Hugo
L'homme Qui Rit
"L'homme Qui Rit" by Victor Hugo is a philosophical and dramatic novel published in April 1869. Set in late 17th and early 18th century England, it follows the fate of Gwynplaine, a young boy abandoned by comprachicos—child traders who mutilate children for profit. Left with a face carved into a permanent smile, Gwynplaine's path crosses with Ursus, a wandering philosopher, and his wolf companion. Hugo weaves together themes of aristocracy, human cruelty, and social injustice in this sweeping tale.
A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley) Mason
The Courtship of Morrice Buckler: A Romance
"The Courtship of Morrice Buckler: A Romance" by A. E. W. Mason is a novel published in 1896. When his friend faces execution after a treasonous charge, Morrice Buckler embarks on a dangerous mission of honor that leads him to a deadly duel in an Austrian castle. Years later, he falls in love with the beautiful Countess Lukstein, unaware she is the widow of the man he killed—a secret that will entangle them both in misunderstanding, betrayal, and captivity before truth can prevail.
Percy James Brebner
The Brown Mask
"The Brown Mask" by Percy James Brebner is a historical novel written during the early 20th century. Set against a backdrop of adventure and intrigue, the story introduces key figures from the underbelly of society, including a charming highwayman known as the Galloping Hermit, who wears a mysterious brown mask. The unfolding drama touches on themes of love, honor, and the social dynamics of 17th century England, focusing on characters such as Gentleman Jack and Barbara Lanison, who navigate the dangerous and duplicitous world they inhabit. At the start of the novel, the scene is set in the "Punch-Bowl" tavern, an unassuming establishment frequented by social outcasts and highwaymen. Within its walls, a group of characters, including the swaggering Gentleman Jack, share tales of exploits and danger, eventually leading to a discussion about the infamous Galloping Hermit. The plot quickly accelerates when Jack is apprehended, capturing the attention of society and drawing in Barbara Lanison, a young woman of wealth and substance. She attends the trial of Gentleman Jack, encountering layers of deception, admiration, and moral ambiguity as relationships and societal perceptions begin to intertwine. The opening lays the groundwork for a gripping narrative revolving around honor, both in love and among thieves, with profound implications for its characters.
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