He was born with a gift of laughter and a sense that the world was mad. And that was all his patrimony. His very paternity was obscure, although the village of Gavrillac had long since dispelled the cloud of mystery that hung about it. Those simple Brittany folk were not so simple as to be deceived by a pretended relationship which did not even possess the virtue of originality. When a nobleman, for no apparent reason, announces himself the godfather of an infant fetched no man knew whence, and thereafter cares for the lad’s rearing and education, the most unsophisticated of country folk perfectly understand the situation. And so the good people of Gavrillac permitted themselves no illusions on the score of the real relationship between Andre-Louis Moreau — as the lad had been named — and Quintin de Kercadiou, Lord of Gavrillac, who dwelt in the big grey house that dominated from its eminence the village clustering below...FROM THE BOOKS.

"Scaramouche: A Romance of the French Revolution" by Rafael Sabatini is a thrilling historical novel set against the backdrop of the turbulent French Revolution. The story follows André-Louis Moreau, a young lawyer whose life is turned upside down when his best friend is killed by the aristocratic Marquis de La Tour d'Azyr. Swearing vengeance, André-Louis joins a troupe of actors and assumes the role of Scaramouche, a cunning and eloquent character who becomes a voice of the people. As André-Louis navigates his dual life as a revolutionary and a performer, he becomes deeply involved in the political upheaval of the time. His journey takes him from the grand theaters of Paris to the dangerous streets filled with revolutionary fervor. Along the way, he encounters a cast of unforgettable characters, including the passionate Aline, the formidable Georges Danton, and the ruthless Robespierre. Sabatini's "Scaramouche" is renowned for its masterful blend of romance, adventure, and historical detail. The novel captures the spirit of an era marked by dramatic change and the fight for justice. With its swashbuckling hero and intricate plot, "Scaramouche" offers readers an exhilarating ride through one of history's most pivotal periods. This timeless tale of love, revenge, and political intrigue remains a beloved classic in historical fiction.

In 'Scaramouche the Kingmaker,' Sabatini’s beloved hero, Andre Louis dons his famous and much-admired disguise to embark upon a new adventure – one full of the thrill and swashbuckling action that has earnt Sabatini his place in the hall of great writers.

Experience the Wild West Like Never Before in "The Fastest Draw" by Larry Eisenberg Saddle up and prepare for a thrilling ride through the untamed frontier with "The Fastest Draw" by Larry Eisenberg. In this gripping tale of gunslingers, outlaws, and justice, Eisenberg transports readers to the dusty streets of the Old West, where every showdown could be your last. Step Into the Lawless World of the Old West From the moment you crack open the pages of "The Fastest Draw," you'll find yourself immersed in a world of danger, intrigue, and adventure. Follow the footsteps of the legendary gunslinger, as he navigates the treacherous landscape of the Wild West, facing off against ruthless outlaws and corrupt lawmen at every turn. Eisenberg's vivid prose and attention to historical detail bring the rugged beauty of the frontier to life, painting a vivid picture of a time and place where life was cheap, and justice was often meted out with a six-shooter. From dusty saloons to sprawling cattle ranches, "The Fastest Draw" captures the essence of the Old West with breathtaking authenticity. Witness High-Stakes Showdowns and Heart-Pounding Action But it's not just the landscape that comes alive in "The Fastest Draw" - it's the characters, too. From the fearless gunslingers to the desperate outlaws, Eisenberg's cast of characters leap off the page with larger-than-life personalities and hidden depths. As the story unfolds, readers will find themselves swept up in a whirlwind of gunfights, horse chases, and narrow escapes, as our hero races against time to bring law and order to the lawless frontier. With each twist and turn, Eisenberg ratchets up the tension, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. Why "The Fastest Draw" Is a Must-Read for Western Enthusiasts: Authentic Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Old West, as Eisenberg's masterful prose transports you back in time to a bygone era. Compelling Characters: Meet a colorful cast of characters, from grizzled gunslingers to cunning outlaws, each with their own motivations and secrets. Heart-Pounding Action: Hold on to your hat as you witness high-stakes showdowns, daring escapes, and thrilling gunfights that will leave you breathless. Moral Dilemmas: Explore complex themes of justice, honor, and redemption as our hero grapples with the ethical dilemmas of life on the frontier.Don't miss your chance to experience the thrill of the Old West in "The Fastest Draw" by Larry Eisenberg. Whether you're a die-hard Western fan or just looking for a pulse-pounding adventure, this book is sure to satisfy your craving for excitement, danger, and drama.

Adventure fiction is one of the easiest narrative forms to recognize but one of the hardest to define because of its overlap with many other genres. This collection of essays attempts to characterize adventure fiction through the exploration of key elements--such as larger-than-life characters and imperialistic ideas--in the genre's 19th- and 20th-century British and American works like The Scarlet Pimpernel by Orczy and Captain Blood by Sabatini. The author explores the cultural and literary impact of such works, presenting forgotten classics in a new light.

Scaramouche PLUS Bardelys the Magnificent by Rafael Sabatini For the first time, these two great classics together for the price of 1! Rafael Sabatini was a prolific Italian writer who wrote his novels of romance and high adventure in English. Several of these very successful novels were made into notable films. Scaramouche: A Romance of the French Revolution Set during the French Revolution, this classic novel of swashbuckling adventure and sweeping romance is also a thought-provoking commentary on class, inequality, and the individual's role in society. Scaramouche, the unforgettable clown, is a comic figure with a very serious message. Scaramouche is a story that has become Rafael Sabatini's enduring legacy. In the words of one reader: "Scaramouche is a tale of revenge, an astonishing tour de force - every single page seethes with incident, color, and detail." Bardelys the Magnificent An absorbing story of love and adventure in France of the early seventeenth century. Bardelys the Magnificent is the tale of Sieur Marcel de Saint-Pol; Marquis of Bardelys, and those things which befell him in Languedoc, in the year of the Rebellion. One of the most stirring tales Sabatini ever wrote.

There are three kinds of people in the world . . . One, there are people who make the world worse. Two, there are people who make the world better. Three, there are people who look on the world and imagine that they can avoid the strife of the battle between good and evil. The Way to Do a Thing Is to Do It: Essays reminds us that if we act with the intention of making the world better, we will learn as we do. Even if mistakes are mixed in, in our acting. The devil is in the details, of course. . . .

This book charts the publishing industry and bestselling fiction from 1900, featuring a comprehensive list of all bestselling fiction titles in the UK. This third edition includes a new introduction which features additional information on current trends in reading including the rise of Black, Asian and LGBTQIA+ publishing; the continuing importance of certain genres and up to date trends in publishing, bookselling, library borrowing and literacy. There are sections on writing for children, on the importance of audiobooks and book clubs, self- published bestsellers as well as many new entries to the present day including bestselling authors such as David Walliams, Peter James, George R R Martin and far less well known authors whose books s sell in their thousands. This is the essential guide to best-selling books, authors, genres, publishing and bookselling since 1900, providing a unique insight into more than a century of entertainment, and opening a window into the reading habits and social life of the British from the death of Queen Victoria to the Coronavirus Pandemic.