Subject
Great Britain -- History -- James II, 1685-1688 -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
M. (Mary) Lee
The oak staircase : $b A narrative of the times of James II
"The Oak Staircase: A Narrative of the Times of James II" by M. and C. Lee is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. Set during the times of James II, the narrative intertwines two distinct anecdotes: the well-recognized story of the 'Maids of Taunton' and the romance between Lord Sunderland's daughter and the Earl of Clancarty. The primary characters include Frances Dalrymple, the daughter of Sir Bernard Dalrymple, and Lord Desmond, with their lives shaped by the tumultuous political landscape of their time. At the start of the story, lessons are ending in the bustling schoolroom at Horsemandown, where Frances and her siblings display their youthful exuberance and disdain for their studies. Frances is particularly drawn to the portraits on the grand oak staircase in their home, piquing her curiosity about her ancestors. As the children engage in lively banter and imaginative play, they are joined by their Uncle Algernon, who teases that a special historical story is to be revealed. This hints at the blending of the past with their present lives, setting the stage for Frances' tale as she prepares to navigate both family expectations and her own desires against the backdrop of historical events.
Percy F. (Percy Francis) Westerman
The Quest of the 'Golden Hope': A Seventeenth Century Story of Adventure
"The Quest of the 'Golden Hope': A Seventeenth Century Story of Adventure" by Percy F. Westerman is a historical adventure novel written in the early 20th century. It revolves around the escapades of young Clifford Hammond and his interactions with Captain Jeremy Miles during a time of rebellion and political turmoil in 17th century England. The story delves into themes of bravery, loyalty, and the pursuit of treasure amidst historical intrigue. At the start of the story, we are introduced to Clifford Hammond, a 16-year-old boy living on the fringes of the New Forest during the poignant events of July 1685, when a rebellion led by Duke Monmouth is underway. The narrative quickly unfolds as Clifford and his sister Constance encounter Captain Jeremy Miles, who is fleeing from soldiers after participating in the rebellion. This chance meeting leads to a harrowing struggle as they assist Captain Miles while he evades capture, revealing their family's complex history and the looming threats they face. The subsequent chapters promise further adventures involving mystery, treasure hunting, and the risks inherent in pursuing a life at sea, particularly in the context of Captain Miles' prior knowledge of a fabled treasure ship, the "Madre de Dios".
Lucy Ellen Guernsey
Winifred : $b or, An English maiden in the seventeenth century
"Winifred: or, An English maiden in the seventeenth century" by Lucy Ellen Guernsey is a novel written in the mid-19th century. Set amid the aftermath of the Monmouth Rebellion, it follows steadfast young Winifred Evans, a Somerset yeoman’s granddaughter whose compassion draws her into danger when she shelters a hunted gentleman tied to the loyalist gentry. Expect a morally earnest, historically colored tale of courage, conscience, family duty, and quiet female heroism. The opening of the story frames the brutal reprisals after Sedgemoor, then narrows to Master Evans’s farmhouse, where practical, devout Magdalen, bold-but-fearful Jack, and resolute Winifred live quietly. Sent with provisions to a poor widow, Jack flees the eerie Black Copse; Winifred goes instead, discovers a wounded fugitive hidden among ancient standing stones, and secretly revives him. After a hushed family council, she guides him at midnight to Dame Sprat’s remote cottage, where the widow recognizes him as “Master Arthur.” The next day, using a still-room errand to gain privacy, Winifred delivers his watch and a packet to Lady Peckham, who reveals the man is her beloved brother Arthur Carew; they decide he is safer concealed with Dame Sprat than at the Hall. Mrs. Alwright quietly supplies food and clothing, while tension spikes as Winifred meets the dreaded Colonel Kirke on the avenue, and at home Jack returns with a broken arm from forbidden bird-nesting. The section closes with chores, a letter and books from Winifred’s seafaring father, and the fugitive’s peril still unresolved.
Lucy Ellen Guernsey
Through unknown ways : $b An Old-World story
"Through unknown ways: An Old-World story" by Lucy Ellen Guernsey is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. Set during the late Stuart era, it follows Dolly (Dorothy), a penniless but educated gentlewoman serving as companion to the sharp-tongued Lady Corbet, who keeps a secret diary of her trials, faith questions, and small hopes in London near Whitehall. Drawn between the kindness of Mrs. Williams, the patronage of Lady Clarenham and her kinsman Mr. Studley, and the charm of the dashing Captain Morley, Dolly navigates class and conscience amid mounting religious and political tensions. Hints of a family mystery—a sealed locket from Sir Charles Corbet—and the looming turmoil of the Monmouth period frame a story of moral testing and quiet courage. The opening of the novel unfolds as Dolly is given a small room and a hidden cabinet in Sir Charles Corbet’s long-closed house; finding blank books, she resolves to keep a journal. She recounts her past—soldier father dead abroad, capable mother ruined by a sanctimonious cheat, schooling at Hackney, then orphaned service under Lady Corbet—and Sir Charles’s deathbed gift of a secret locket she must not open. From her new window near the park she glimpses court life as Charles II sickens and dies, James II ascends, and the city shifts mood; she meets the kind Lady Clarenham and earnest Mr. Studley, reads “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” and endures Lady Corbet’s stinginess and scorn. Captain Morley pays gallant court, provoking Ursula Robertson’s jealousy, while Mrs. Williams warns Dolly to guard her reputation; Morley departs north on military business. A stark scene follows when Dr. Bates and Mr. Pendergast solicit help for the prosecuted Richard Baxter: Lady Corbet grudges a pittance, but Dolly quietly gives her own gold. As rumors of unrest spread, Ursula’s betrothed Mr. Andrews dies and she hastily resolves to wed the wealthy Mr. Jackson—likely out of pique at news of Morley—leaving Dolly soberly chronicling these first turns of fortune and conscience.
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