The Historical Nights' Entertainment: First Series

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Sabatini, Rafael, 1875-1950

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"The Historical Nights' Entertainment: First Series" by Rafael Sabatini is a collection of historical narratives written in the early 20th century. The book vividly brings to life a series of historical events characterized by intrigue, betrayal, and the tumultuous interplay of human passions. Each tale is grounded in actual historical records, showcasing notable figures and events from various epochs, as Sabatini attempts to blend factual history with imaginative storytelling. The opening of the book begins with a preface that outlines the author's intentions and methodology in reconstructing historical narratives, emphasizing a commitment to staying true to documented events while enhancing them with dramatic detail. Following the preface, the narrative shifts to the first story, "The Night of Holyrood," focusing on the events surrounding the murder of David Rizzio, a courtier and confidant of Mary, Queen of Scots. Through rich descriptions, the opening chapter sets a tone of tension and conflict, exploring the dynamics between Mary, her husband Darnley, and the influential figures of the Scottish court. Darnley's jealousy and ambition culminate in Rizzio's brutal murder, an act that signifies the dangerous political maneuvering prevalent in that historical moment. The tale sets the stage for a series of interconnected dramatizations of historical intrigue, inviting readers to delve deeper into the narratives that follow. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Contents:

The night of Holyrood: the murder of David Rizzio

The night of Kirk o'Field: the murder of Darnley

The night of betrayal: Antonio Perez and Philip II of Spain

The night of charity: the case of the Lady Alice Lisle

The night of massacre: the story of the St. Bartholomew

The night of witchcraft: Louis XIV and Madame de Montespan

The night of gems: the affairs of the queen's necklace

The night of terror: the drownings at Nantes under Carrier

The night of nuptials: Charles the Bold and Sapphira Danvelt

The night of stranglers: Giovanna of Naples and Andreas of Hungary

The night of hate: the murder of the Duke of Gandia

The night of escape: Casanova's escape from the Piombi

The night of masquerade: the assassination of Gustavus III of Sweden.

Credits:

Produced by An Anonymous Project Gutenberg Volunteer, and David Widger

Notes:

Reading ease score: 77.8 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.

Release date is 2001-05-01