Subject
Middle Ages -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Frank Cowper
The Captain of the Wight: A Romance of Carisbrooke Castle in 1488
"The Captain of the Wight: A Romance of Carisbrooke Castle in 1488" by Frank Cowper is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. Set during the Renaissance period, the story focuses on the character of Ralph de Lisle, a young boy whose journey toward knighthood unfolds amidst rich historical detail and the romance of chivalry. The narrative seeks to capture Ralph’s adventures and training under the noble Sir Edward Woodville, blending themes of valor, ambition, and the importance of honor in a time of civil strife. The opening of the story introduces Ralph as he eagerly anticipates his future, feeling both the weight of his lineage and the thrill of aspiration. On his fifteenth birthday, he receives a gerfalcon as a gift, symbolizing both the freedom and responsibilities that come with growing up. As he interacts with his family and prepares for his journey to join the household of Lord Woodville, the narrative conveys his youthful exuberance intertwined with foreboding reflections on mortality from his father, Sir John de Lisle. This blend of light-hearted childhood experiences and serious familial expectations hints at the trials Ralph will face as he embarks on his adventure, setting the stage for a tale steeped in the lore of the period.
Louise Lamprey
Masters of the Guild
"Masters of the Guild" by Louise Lamprey is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story transports readers to a richly depicted medieval world, focusing on the lives and crafts of various characters, particularly the troubadour Ranulph and young Peirol, who loves pigeons. As festivities unfold in Count Thibaut's castle, the narrative explores themes of art, community, and the interplay of personal relationships in the backdrop of grand events. The opening of "Masters of the Guild" introduces us to a lively atmosphere in Count Thibaut's castle as he returns from England with his daughter, Lady Philippa. The troubadour Ranulph takes a moment in the garden to refine his song, and he encounters Peirol, a small boy devoted to training pigeons—an element that hints at camaraderie and childhood innocence amid the adult preoccupations of feasting and festivities. The narrative quickly builds tension as we learn that among the gathered guests is Sir Gualtier Giffard, whose backstory of fallen fortunes starts to anchor the tale in deeper themes of aspiration and conflict, hinting at the complexities of love and loyalty that will unfold throughout the narrative.
Louise Lamprey
In the Days of the Guild
"In the Days of the Guild" by Louise Lamprey is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in the 12th century during the reign of King Henry II of England and follows the journeys and experiences of various characters involved in the guilds of craftsmen during that time. The central character introduced in the opening portion is Robert Edrupt, a young boy from a rural background who ventures to London with a woolpack, seeking his fortune in the bustling city. The beginning of the book introduces Robert Edrupt as he sits by the road with a bale of wool, waiting for wool merchants to pass by. After a few hours, he finally encounters the merchants and impressively negotiates working as a horse-boy in exchange for the wool. The text vividly paints a picture of medieval England's landscape and social conditions while portraying Robert's determination and courage to abandon his previous life for new opportunities. As he travels with the merchants towards London, the reader is drawn into Robert's aspirations and the vibrant world of guilds, trade, and the diverse characters he will meet along his journey.
Eric P. (Eric Philbrook) Kelly
The trumpeter of Krakow : $b A tale of the fifteenth century
"The Trumpeter of Krakow" by Eric P. Kelly is a young adult historical novel published in 1928. When the Charnetski family flees their burning Ukrainian village with a legendary crystal, they seek refuge in fifteenth-century Kraków. But a ruthless mercenary pursues them relentlessly, determined to seize the mysterious gem that has sparked wars for centuries. As Joseph's father becomes the church's night trumpeter, danger closes in from all sides—including an alchemist obsessed with the crystal's power. Can they protect their ancient trust before it falls into the wrong hands?
Adeline Knapp
The Boy and the Baron
"The Boy and the Baron" by Adeline Knapp is a historical fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story takes place during a tumultuous time in medieval Germany, portraying the lives of children and knights against a backdrop of political unrest and lawlessness. The narrative follows a boy named Wulf, who is discovered as a young child among the osiers and raised by a kind armorer named Karl. As Wulf grows, he faces challenges and adventures tied to the noble characters of the time, including a knightly battle and the evil plots of Baron Everhardt and his nephew, Conradt. At the start of the novel, the story opens with children playing on a plateau, who witness a clash between two knights. One of these knights, seemingly in distress, drops a mysterious burden among the willow trees before being defeated. The children, fascinated, discuss the knight's intentions and plan to retrieve the treasure he left behind. Shortly after their departure, Karl the armorer discovers a young child named Wulf hidden among the bushes, who is hungry and lost. He takes Wulf into his care, thus beginning a journey that intertwines Wulf's fate with that of knights, nobility, and the turbulent world around him as the story unfolds.
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