Subject
Princesses -- Fiction Books
Best books
Edgar Rice Burroughs
A princess of Mars
"A Princess of Mars" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a science fantasy novel first serialized in 1912. Confederate veteran John Carter is mysteriously transported to Mars, a dying desert planet called Barsoom. With superhuman strength from the planet's lower gravity, he becomes entangled with warlike Green Martians and rescues Dejah Thoris, a princess of the humanoid Red Martians. Carter must navigate deadly political conflicts between alien races while fighting to protect the princess and save all life on Mars from extinction.
Lady (Sydney) Morgan
The Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale
"The Wild Irish Girl: A National Tale" by Lady Morgan is an epistolary novel written in 1806. A dissolute young English nobleman is exiled to his father's Irish estate, where he discovers a crumbling castle inhabited by dispossessed Gaelic nobility. Posing as a penniless artist, he befriends the Prince of Inismore and his accomplished daughter Glorvina, learning to appreciate Irish culture while falling dangerously in love. But hidden identities and arranged marriages threaten their romance, leading to surprising revelations about family honor and reconciliation.
John Buchan
Huntingtower
"Huntingtower" by John Buchan is a novel published in 1922. Retired Glasgow grocer Dickson McCunn embarks on a walking holiday in Scotland, only to stumble upon a Russian princess imprisoned in a mysterious house. With help from a young poet and a scrappy gang of Glasgow street urchins called the Gorbals Die-Hards, McCunn must protect her from Bolshevik enemies arriving by sea. This fairytale-like adventure blends ordinary courage with international intrigue in post-Revolution turmoil.
Charlotte M. (Charlotte Mary) Yonge
Two Penniless Princesses
"Two Penniless Princesses" by Charlotte M. Yonge is a historical novel set in the late 19th century. The story revolves around two young princesses, Eleanor and Jean Stewart, who face the challenges of their royal status within the troubled Scottish court. Captured and confined in Dunbar Castle, they yearn for freedom and the joy of life beyond the dreariness of their surroundings, particularly longing for their sister Margaret, who has been married into the French court. The opening of the novel introduces us to the sisters in Dunbar Castle, where they share dreams of escape and adventure. Amid the bleakness of their captivity, they are preoccupied with thoughts of royalty and love, and their desire to reunite with Margaret drives the narrative. The sisters are expressed as strong characters; Eleanor is wistful and imaginative, while Jean is practical and steadfast. Their discussions reveal their hopes and frustrations, as they navigate the dangers of their situation, including threats from warlike nobles eager for connections with royalty. As the story begins, they are on the cusp of a significant journey towards their destiny, filled with anticipation and trepidation.
Charles Dickens
The Magic Fishbone A Holiday Romance from the Pen of Miss Alice Rainbird, Aged 7
"The Magic Fishbone" by Charles Dickens is a children's tale presented as a whimsical story written during the late 19th century. This delightful narrative, which is part of a collection titled "Holiday Romance," encapsulates the adventures and challenges faced by a royal family, particularly focusing on the clever Princess Alicia. The story blends elements of fantasy and fairy tale, exploring themes of responsibility, family, and the balance between wishes and consequences. The plot revolves around Princess Alicia and her father, King Watkins the First, who faces financial woes. After receiving a magical fishbone from a fairy named Grandmarina, Princess Alicia learns that it can grant one wish if used at the right time. Throughout the story, she uses her intelligence and resourcefulness to care for her family while keeping the fishbone a secret. As troubles arise, such as her mother's illness and the chaos of looking after her many siblings, Alicia must navigate her responsibilities. Eventually, with love and wisdom, she uses the fishbone to bring prosperity back to the family, culminating in a joyful wedding feast and ensuring a happy future for herself and her prince, reinforcing the importance of kindness and community.
Richard Harding Davis
The scarlet car; The Princess Aline
"The Princess Aline" by Richard Harding Davis is a novelette published in 1895. A young, wealthy American artist in his twenties becomes captivated by a photograph of a European princess. Determined to meet her, he boards a steamship bound for Europe, gathering companions along the way. This romantic tale blends travel adventure with the timeless question: can love bridge the divide between a commoner and royalty? The story charmed contemporary readers with its wit, whimsy, and delicate emotion, becoming one of the year's bestselling novels.
E. F. (Edward Frederic) Benson
The Princess Sophia
"The Princess Sophia" by E. F. Benson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Princess Sophia of the independent principality of Rhodopé, a fictional place situated on the Adriatic coast. The narrative delves into her upbringing, her rebellious spirit, and the complex dynamics with her father, Prince Demetrius. Central themes include the interplay of power, family legacy, and the nature of romance and duty, especially as the intriguing character of Prince Petros enters her life. The opening of the novel introduces the political backdrop of Rhodopé during a time of tension between Greece and Turkey, emphasizing the neutrality maintained by Prince Leonard, Sophia’s father. We learn about the peculiarities of the principality and the challenges faced by its rulers, particularly the influence of Princess Sophia, who showcases a free-spirited, independent nature from a young age. Her father’s authoritarian demeanor sharply contrasts with her vibrant personality, setting the stage for a story that mixes adventure, political intrigue, and the complexities of royal life. The initial chapters paint a vivid picture of Sophia's formative years, hinting at her future conflicts and romantic entanglements as she navigates her duties as a princess while remaining true to her spirited self.
Arthur W. Marchmont
The Queen's Advocate
"The Queen's Advocate" by Arthur W. Marchmont is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the tumultuous backdrop of Eastern Europe, featuring the main character, Chase F. Bergwyn, a wealthy American man who has returned to the Balkan hills where he spent his boyhood. Throughout the opening chapters, Bergwyn finds himself embroiled in an unexpected adventure that includes a violent confrontation to protect a young woman being pursued by armed men, seemingly accused of witchcraft. The opening of the book introduces readers to Bergwyn's character as he reflects on his past while lying in the hills, preparing for his mining venture. The sudden sounds of gunfire divert his attention, leading to a thrilling rescue of a girl on a white horse, who displays courage and determination despite her perilous situation. As the chase unfolds, Bergwyn reveals his resourcefulness, engaging in hand-to-hand combat with her aggressors while also tending to the wounded. After saving her, their partnership develops against the background of danger as they both face the threats that arise from her pursuers and the treachery inherent in their surroundings. Each character displays depth, and the opening sets the stage for a tale rife with tension, personal conflict, and the looming specter of betrayal.
John R. Carling
The Shadow of the Czar
"The Shadow of the Czar" by John R. Carling is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in 1845 and follows Captain Paul Cressingham, a young British officer who embarks on a journey in Dalmatia, where he encounters mystery, adventure, and romance. The narrative centers around the captain's chance meeting with a beautiful and enigmatic young woman named Barbara, who has escaped from a convent, adding to the intrigue and potential danger of the tale. At the start of the novel, the protagonist, Paul Cressingham, finds himself lost in a deep pine forest, yearning for adventure away from his routine military duties in Corfu. After unexpectedly crossing paths with Barbara late at night, the two are drawn into a story filled with tension and secrecy. Barbara reveals that she fears pursuit by the authorities due to her escape, while Paul feels a strong desire to protect her, setting the tone for the budding romance between them. Their dynamic deepens as they navigate the rustic atmosphere of Dalmatia, fraught with elements of chivalry and danger, particularly with the enigmatic figure of Cardinal Ravenna looming in the background, hinting at darker themes that may unfold.
Richard Harding Davis
The Princess Aline
"The Princess Aline" by Richard Harding Davis is a novelette published in 1895. A young, wealthy American artist becomes captivated by a photograph of a European princess and embarks on a transatlantic voyage to meet her. Accompanied by companions encountered during his journey, he pursues this romantic obsession across Europe. The story blends travel narrative with whimsical romance, exploring the boundaries between social classes and the possibilities—or impossibilities—of love between a commoner and royalty. Davis's tale became the fifth-best selling novel in America that year.
Agnes Castle
The Pride of Jennico: Being a Memoir of Captain Basil Jennico
"The Pride of Jennico: Being a Memoir of Captain Basil Jennico" by Agnes and Egerton Castle is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Captain Basil Jennico, who finds himself in a complicated situation following the unexpected legacy from his great-uncle, which elevates him to a position of significant wealth and land ownership in Moravia. As he navigates his new life filled with social responsibilities and personal dilemmas, he grapples with themes of pride, heritage, and romance. The opening portion of the memoir introduces us to Basil Jennico, who begins to write during a storm at his ancestral castle in Moravia. His narrative reflects on the legacy he received from his great-uncle, which transformed his life from a modest military officer to a landowner with vast territories. In his introspective exploration, he reveals his internal conflicts about family pride, the responsibilities tied to his newfound wealth, and a burgeoning love for a mysterious princess. As he reminisces about his family's esteemed lineage and his duty to uphold it, the reader gets a sense of the rich historical context and character depth that will shape the unfolding story.
Laurence Housman
Princess Badoura: A tale from the Arabian Nights
"Princess Badoura: A Tale from the Arabian Nights" by Laurence Housman is a retelling of a classic narrative that falls within the genre of fiction, likely penned in the late 19th century. This enchanting tale is spun from the rich tapestry of Arabian folklore, centering on the eponymous character, Princess Badoura, and her love interest, Prince Camaralzaman. The narrative draws upon themes of love, adventure, and the trials faced by the protagonists as they navigate their lives intertwined by fate and magical encounters. At the start of the story, we are introduced to the troubled King Shahriar, who, having been betrayed by his first wife, marries a new woman each day only to execute her the following morning. The brilliant and resourceful Scheherazade enters this grim tale as his latest bride and spins tales over a thousand nights to save herself and others from his wrath. The opening portion sets the stage for the grand love story of Badoura and Camaralzaman, revealing their intertwined fates that are challenged by obstacles such as jealousy and mistaken identities. As the narrative unfolds, we witness the ancient themes of love, resilience, and the quest for personal agency within the confines of royal expectations, all against a backdrop rich in cultural lore and moral lessons.
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