John Masefield
Martin Hyde, the Duke's Messenger
"Martin Hyde, the Duke's Messenger" by John Masefield is a historical novel set in the late 17th century. The story centers on a young boy named Martin Hyde, who transitions from a carefree life in the countryside of Suffolk to a tangled web of intrigue and adventure in London. Orphaned at a young age, Martin finds himself living with his uncle in the bustling city, where he becomes entwined in plots involving royal conspiracies and secret missions. At the start of the book, Martin recounts his early years in Oulton, where he was adventurous and independent, relishing the wild landscapes that surrounded him. After the death of his father, Martin moves to London, where he feels lost amidst the towering structures and distrustful inhabitants. Through a series of events, he meets a mysterious man named Edward Jermyn, who introduces him to a world of covert actions and rebellion against the ruling King James II. The opening chapters present Martin's internal conflicts as he grapples with the transition from childhood to adulthood, ultimately cementing his role as a messenger in a dangerous conspiracy tied to the Duke of Monmouth, which promises both peril and adventure as they navigate the treacherous political landscape of the time.