The King's Stratagem, and Other Stories

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Weyman, Stanley John, 1855-1928

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"The King's Stratagem, and Other Stories" by Stanley J. Weyman is a collection of historical fiction stories written in the late 19th century. The book presents tales set during the tumultuous times of French history, focusing on intricate plots involving royal characters like Henry IV of France, and themes of loyalty, betrayal, and personal honor. The main story features the young nobleman Vicomte de Lanthenon, whose financial ruin leads him into a dangerous game of gambling that entwines him with treachery and the fate of his town, Lusigny. The opening of "The King's Stratagem" introduces the Vicomte de Lanthenon, who finds himself in a desperate situation after losing a significant gamble. At a playing table in the picturesque town of La Réole, he loses two thousand crowns to the Captain of Créance, who proposes a treacherous deal to gain control of Lusigny, the Vicomte's town. As the stakes rise, the Vicomte reluctantly agrees to a high-risk throw of the dice that could either redeem him or lead to his ruin. Unbeknownst to him, his desperate plight leads to unexpected encounters, and moments of unexpected loyalty from figures like King Henry, setting a riveting tone for the narrative that explores themes of honor and the complexities of human relationships in a time of political intrigue. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Contents:

The king's stratagem

The body-birds of court

In Cupid's toils

The drift of fate

A Blore Manor episode

The fatal letter.

Credits:

Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive (Harvard University)

Notes:

Reading ease score: 80.6 (6th grade). Easy to read.

Release date is 2012-03-20