Subject
Nobility -- Fiction Books
Best books
Wilkie Collins
The Woman in White
"The Woman in White" by Wilkie Collins is a mystery novel written in 1860. When a young drawing teacher encounters a mysterious woman dressed entirely in white on a London street, he unknowingly steps into a web of secrets and conspiracy. His new position teaching at an English estate draws him deeper into danger as he discovers sinister connections between the strange woman, his beautiful student, and her wealthy fiancé. Identity, deception, and a desperate fight for truth drive this early detective story.
John Meade Falkner
雲形紋章
"雲形紋章" by John Meade Falkner is an adventure novel published in 1898. Set in eighteenth-century England, it follows young orphan John Trenchard who stumbles upon a smuggling operation hidden in his village church's crypt. When he discovers a cryptic message pointing to a legendary diamond stolen from King Charles I, John embarks on a dangerous quest involving treasure hunting, betrayal, and shipwreck. His journey spans years of hardship and takes him far from his coastal village of Moonfleet—and the girl he loves.
Emmuska Orczy Orczy
The Scarlet Pimpernel
"The Scarlet Pimpernel" by Baroness Emmuska Orczy Orczy is a historical fiction novel published in 1905. Set during the French Revolution's Reign of Terror, it follows a mysterious Englishman who rescues aristocrats from the guillotine. Sir Percy Blakeney appears to be merely a wealthy fop, but conceals a daring secret identity. When his wife Marguerite becomes entangled in a dangerous plot involving a French agent, she must uncover the truth about her husband before it's too late.
Madame de (Marie-Madeleine Pioche de La Vergne) La Fayette
The Princess of Cleves
"The Princess of Cleves" by Madame de La Fayette is a French novel published in 1678. Set at the court of Henry II, it follows a young heiress who marries the Prince de Clèves but falls deeply in love with the Duke de Nemours. Torn between duty and passion, she confesses her forbidden feelings to her husband, triggering devastating consequences. This pioneering psychological novel explores inner emotions and moral struggle with remarkable depth, creating a timeless portrait of love, honor, and impossible choices.
P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse
Leave it to Psmith
"Leave It to Psmith" by P. G. Wodehouse is a comic novel published in 1923. When the elegant Ronald Psmith takes on an unusual job involving a stolen necklace at Blandings Castle, he finds himself impersonating a Canadian poet while juggling scheming aristocrats, genuine criminals, and his growing affection for the lovely Eve Halliday. With mistaken identities, midnight mishaps, and a suspicious secretary in lemon-colored pajamas, chaos ensues in this tale of romance and comic confusion.
Benjamin Disraeli
The Young Duke
"The Young Duke" by Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli is a novel written between 1829-1830. The wealthy young Duke of St James enters fashionable society, squandering his fortune on gambling and pursuing unsuitable romantic attachments. After rejecting his honorable Catholic guardian Mr Dacre, George becomes entangled with the married Lady Aphrodite while falling for Dacre's virtuous daughter May. Financial ruin and a duel force the dissolute duke to confront his character flaws and seek redemption through meaningful action.
Frances Hodgson Burnett
A Lady of Quality Being a Most Curious, Hitherto Unknown History, as Related by Mr. Isaac Bickerstaff but Not Presented to the World of Fashion Through the Pages of The Tatler, and Now for the First Time Written Down
"A Lady of Quality" by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a novel written during the late 19th century. This fiction work delves into the life of a young lady named Clorinda, born into a tumultuous familial environment marked by her father's loud and boisterous behavior and her mother’s tragic demise following childbirth. The story explores Clorinda's unusual upbringing and the struggle between her spirits and societal expectations as she emerges into womanhood. The opening of the novel introduces us to the chaotic world of Wildairs Hall, where we meet Sir Jeoffry, a disgruntled father, ready to embark on a hunting escapade, seemingly indifferent to the troubles of his household, including the birth of another daughter. Meanwhile, Lady Daphne, his wife, lies weak and neglected after giving birth to Clorinda, ultimately succumbing to her despair. As the narrative unfolds, we see glimpses of Clorinda's fiery temperament and fierce spirit take shape amidst a backdrop of disreputable family conditions, promising a journey of growth, resilience, and the quest for identity in a world that offers her little tenderness.
Nathaniel Hawthorne
The Marble Faun; Or, The Romance of Monte Beni - Volume 1
"The Marble Faun; Or, The Romance of Monte Beni - Volume 1" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a romance published in 1860. Set in a fantastical Italy, the story follows four characters: the mysterious painter Miriam, innocent copyist Hilda, rationalist sculptor Kenyon, and Donatello, a count who strangely resembles an ancient marble faun. As Miriam is pursued by a threatening figure from her past and Donatello's possible connection to mythical ancestry emerges, the narrative weaves together elements of fable, gothic mystery, and pastoral romance against an Italian backdrop.
Walter Scott
The Fair Maid of Perth; Or, St. Valentine's Day
"The Fair Maid of Perth; Or, St. Valentine's Day" by Walter Scott is a novel published in 1828. Set in Perth, Scotland around 1400, it follows armourer Henry Gow who interrupts the Duke of Rothesay's attempted abduction of Catharine Glover, a glovemaker's daughter. This Valentine's Day kiss draws Henry into dangerous royal intrigue and a deadly Highland feud, culminating in a historic clan battle. Scott weaves romance, political conspiracy, and medieval warfare into a tale where personal loyalty collides with the violent power struggles of medieval Scotland.
Clara Reeve
The Old English Baron: a Gothic Story
"The Old English Baron: a Gothic Story" by Clara Reeve is a Gothic novel first published in 1778. When Sir Philip Harclay returns to medieval England, he discovers his dear friend Arthur Lord Lovel is dead and the family estate sold. Among the new baron's household, he meets Edmund, a peasant's son whose striking resemblance to the lost lord raises troubling questions. As Edmund faces the enmity of his benefactor's nephews while loving the baron's daughter, supernatural forces begin to reveal long-buried secrets about his true identity and a terrible crime.
Edward Lucas White
Andivius Hedulio: Adventures of a Roman Nobleman in the Days of the Empire
"Andivius Hedulio: Adventures of a Roman Nobleman in the Days of the Empire" by Edward Lucas White is a historical novel written during the early 20th century. The book follows the adventures of the titular character, Andivius Hedulio, a Roman nobleman navigating the complexities of life and misfortune during the Roman Empire, particularly in the troubled days under Emperor Commodus. The narrative hints at themes of nobility, societal expectations, and the personal trials faced by those of status, providing a backdrop of historical context woven into a personal tale. At the start of the story, Hedulio reflects on the moment his life took a drastic turn from tranquility to chaos, marking the beginning of his troubles intertwined with imperial politics and personal relationships. He recounts his wealth and favorable standing, hoping to marry a wealthy widow, when a sudden visit from an unexpected guest disrupts his calm life. This prompt encounter foreshadows a descent into conflict as he navigates the feuds between powerful neighbors while dealing with tenants and the complexities of Roman society. The opening serves to establish Hedulio's character as a man caught between ambition and the whims of fate, hinting at the broader themes of loyalty, power, and the unpredictable nature of life during the Roman Empire.
Frances Hodgson Burnett
His Grace of Osmonde Being the Portions of That Nobleman's Life Omitted in the Relation of His Lady's Story Presented to the World of Fashion under the Title of A Lady of Quality
"His Grace of Osmonde" by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a historical novel set in the late 19th century. The story dives into the lives of the nobles, particularly focusing on the birth of the heir to the Duke of Osmonde amid the expectations and anxieties of those around him. Following the illustrious line of a noble estate, the narrative hints at themes of love, duty, and the responsibilities of nobility. The opening of the novel paints a vivid picture of the serene village of Camylott as its inhabitants share in a collective anticipation surrounding the Duchess's delivery. The women gossip about the fortune the newborn will inherit, while the men celebrate over ale, eagerly waiting for news. Entering the intimate moment of the birth, the Duke and Duchess reveal their love and joy as they welcome their son, whom they hope will embody the virtues of his lineage. The chapter establishes a tone of warmth and affection, setting the stage for the unfolding story of the Marquess of Roxholm, the young heir, as he grows amidst the backdrop of both familial love and societal expectations.
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