Subject
Outlaws -- Fiction Books
Best books
G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford) James
Forest Days: A Romance of Old Times
"Forest Days: A Romance of Old Times" by G. P. R. James is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century. The story is set in medieval England and revolves around the life of the peasantry, particularly focusing on the character of Hardy the Hunchback, who is depicted as a resilient and clever figure. The novel explores themes of class struggle, love, and conflict during the reign of Henry III, bringing to life the vibrant culture and challenges of that era. At the start of the story, readers are introduced to a quaint village and the comfortable inn that serves as a central gathering place for locals and travelers alike. The narrative begins with a nostalgic tone as it recounts the idyllic charm of rural England juxtaposed against the brewing political tensions of the period. The opening chapters showcase various characters, including Hardy, who is a peasant with a notable deformity, and hints at the arrival of influential nobles that disrupt the village's peace. The interactions between Hardy, young lovers like Ralph Harland, and the nobility set the stage for unfolding conflicts, love triangles, and issues related to social hierarchy that will be explored throughout the tale.
Walter Scott
Rob Roy — Complete
"Rob Roy — Complete" by Walter Scott is a historical novel published in 1817. When Frank Osbaldistone refuses to join his father's business, he's sent to live with unfamiliar relatives in northern England. His cunning cousin Rashleigh betrays the family firm, forcing Frank to pursue him into the turbulent Scottish Highlands on the eve of the 1715 Jacobite Rising. There he encounters the legendary outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor and falls for the spirited Diana Vernon, navigating political intrigue, ambushes, and bloodshed in a land torn between clans and loyalties.
H. Irving (Harrie Irving) Hancock
The Young Engineers in Arizona; or, Laying Tracks on the Man-killer Quicksand
"The Young Engineers in Arizona; or Laying Tracks on the Man-killer Quicksand" by H. Irving Handcock is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around two young engineers, Tom Reade and Harry Hazelton, who embark on a challenging project to lay railroad tracks across treacherous quicksand in Arizona. The opening chapters introduce us to the local gambling scene, represented by the unscrupulous character Jim Duff, and illustrate the tension between the engineers and those who seek to benefit from the workers' misfortune. The beginning of the novel sets a lively scene in a barber shop where bets are made over a fly on a mirror, ultimately leading us to Jim Duff's gambling operation. It quickly becomes evident that he is a manipulator who preys on naive newcomers like Clarence Farnsworth. As Reade and Hazelton arrive in town, their youthful determination contrasts with the entrenched dishonesty represented by Duff. The chapter establishes an atmosphere of conflict, hinting at the challenges both men will face from the local gambling element and the environmental hazards of the quicksand they must overcome. The stage is set for an engaging tale of engineering, deception, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Robert Louis Stevenson
The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses
"The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a historical novel first serialized in 1883. Set during England's Wars of the Roses, it follows young Richard Shelton as he uncovers dark secrets about his father's murder. Suspecting his guardian Sir Daniel Brackley, Dick is forced to flee and join a mysterious band of outlaws who strike with black arrows. Swept into civil war, he must rescue his beloved Joanna, seek justice, and navigate treacherous allegiances in a land torn by conflict.
Edgar Rice Burroughs
The outlaw of Torn
"The Outlaw of Torn" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a historical novel published as a serial in 1914. Set during thirteenth-century England's Second Barons' War, it follows Norman of Torn, a deadly outlaw raised by a vengeful fencing master to hate all things English. Leading the largest band of thieves in England, Norman becomes entangled in the rebellion alongside Simon de Montfort while falling for his daughter. But a striking resemblance to Prince Edward hints at a shocking secret about Norman's true identity.
Walter Scott
Rob Roy — Volume 01
"Rob Roy — Volume 01" by Walter Scott is a historical novel published in 1817. When young Frank Osbaldistone refuses to join his father's merchant business, he's banished to his uncle's estate near the Scottish border. There he falls for the spirited Diana Vernon and becomes entangled in family treachery when his cunning cousin Rashleigh steals vital documents. Frank's pursuit leads him into turbulent Scotland on the eve of the 1715 Jacobite Rising, where he encounters the legendary outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor amid political intrigue and Highland wilderness.
Walter Scott
Rob Roy — Volume 02
"Rob Roy — Volume 02" by Walter Scott is a historical novel published in 1817. This second volume continues Frank Osbaldistone's perilous journey into the Scottish Highlands, where family betrayal and political turmoil collide. Pursuing his treacherous cousin Rashleigh, who has stolen vital documents threatening his father's business, Frank encounters the legendary outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor. Against the backdrop of the 1715 Jacobite Rising, romance, ambushes, and bloodshed unfold amid the wild landscapes of Loch Lomond, leading toward a dramatic reckoning.
Robert Louis Stevenson
The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses
"The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a historical adventure novel first serialized in 1883. Set during England's Wars of the Roses, it follows young Richard Shelton as he uncovers the truth about his father's murder. Suspected by his guardian Sir Daniel Brackley, Dick joins a band of forest outlaws who mark their targets with black arrows. His quest for justice intertwines with rescuing the disguised heiress Joanna Sedley, sweeping them both into the greater conflict between warring factions.
Herman Whitaker
Over the Border: A Novel
"Over the Border: A Novel" by Herman Whitaker is a work of fiction likely written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in a rugged and romantic landscape of Mexico near the American border, focusing on a trio of outlaws known as the "Three Bad Men." The narrative captures their adventures and confrontations in a land marked by revolution, rustling, and crossing borders, while exploring themes of survival, loyalty, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to the Three Bad Men—Sliver Smith, Bull Perrin, and Jake Evers—who have established their hideout in a desolate region of the Mexican desert. The narrative vividly illustrates their characters and lifestyle against the harsh backdrop of the environment, where they face both internal conflicts and external threats. The relationships between the men, along with the tensions that arise from their interactions with local inhabitants and the ongoing revolutionary chaos, set the stage for the unfolding events. As the opening progresses, their misadventures lead them to the Mexican town of Las Bocas, emphasizing the camaraderie and complications inherent in their outlaw existence.
Zane Grey
The Border Legion
"The Border Legion" by Zane Grey is a novel set in the late 19th century that explores themes of love, adventure, and moral ambiguity in the American West. The story revolves around Joan Randle, a strong and determined young woman who embarks on a quest to find her reckless suitor, Jim Cleve, as he threatens to descend into a life of criminality. Her journey introduces her to the harsh realities of the wild borderlands and pits her against both internal and external conflicts, including her growing feelings for Jim and the dangerous figure of Jack Kells, a known outlaw. The opening of the novel establishes Joan’s inner turmoil and the precarious state of her relationship with Jim, who has become embittered and reckless after their argument. As she tracks him through the wilderness, Joan reflects on her feelings for him while grappling with the notion that he could truly embrace a life of crime. When she inadvertently finds herself in the company of the notorious outlaw Kells, her plight deepens as she must confront her own feelings and the threats posed by his dangerous lifestyle. The stage is set for a dramatic exploration of survival, love, and betrayal against a vividly rendered backdrop of the rugged and lawless West.
James Grant
The adventures of Rob Roy
"The Adventures of Rob Roy" by James Grant is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century. The book explores the life and exploits of Rob Roy MacGregor, a Scottish folk hero and outlaw from the clan MacGregor during a tumultuous period in Scottish history. The story is centered around themes of loyalty, revenge, and the struggle for justice against oppression, showcasing the main character's courageous and often defiant spirit against his foes. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the serene yet rugged Scottish landscape where Colin Bane and young Oina, children from the outlawed MacGregor clan, are tending to their cattle. Their peaceful moment is soon shattered by the arrival of hostile Highlanders, known as the MacRaes, who threaten them and steal their cattle. In a desperate attempt to defend Oina, Colin risks his life and suffers a grievous injury. As he submits to his fate, the narrative hints at the impending arrival of Rob Roy, who is portrayed as a heroic figure committed to avenging the wrongs inflicted on his clan and protecting the innocent, setting the stage for a powerful tale of vengeance and honor.
Max Brand
Gunman's Reckoning
"Gunman's Reckoning" by Max Brand is a novel written in the early 20th century. This story dives deep into the gritty world of outlaws and gunmen, focusing primarily on the character of Lefty Joe, a previously revered crime figure brought low by circumstance. As Lefty navigates his life on the fringes of the law, he becomes engulfed in a quest to confront Donnegan, a man linked to the downfall of his gang, with a tense undercurrent of vengeance and the struggle for redemption. The opening of "Gunman's Reckoning" introduces readers to the raucous atmosphere of a freight train, where Lefty Joe and a brakeman discuss past exploits and the turmoil that has led Lefty to his current situation. As Lefty reveals the history of his downfall, marked by betrayal and conflict with Donnegan, the plot thickens with the realization that Donnegan is aboard the very train. Through Lefty's candid reflection on his tumultuous past, the stage is set for an impending confrontation that promises action and moral complexity, as the embers of vengeance still burn brightly in his heart.
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