Выборка по метке: "Исторические приключения". Страница 92

Увлеченная оккультизмом красавица узнает, что через две недели она будет застрелена во время спиритического сеанса. Пожалуй, предотвратить такое сверхъестественное преступление смог бы только один человек во всей Англии – мистер Шерлок Холмс. Но великий сыщик не в силах помочь по двум причинам: во-первых, он вымышленный литературный персонаж, тогда как дело происходит в реальном мире, а во-вторых, «родной отец» Конан Дойл только что сбросил его в пропасть с Рейхенбахского водопада, чем вызвал бурю читательского негодования.

Сэру Артуру ничего не остается, как самому отправиться в замок Тракстон-Холл, где должна разыграться криминальная драма. А поможет ему с разгадкой тайны другой гениальный писатель, его друг Оскар Уайльд.

The untimely death of Richard the Lionheart left his nephew Arthur and his younger brother John in contest for the throne of England. Reluctantly the barons chose John, and so began years of rule by a ruthless and greedy tyrant.­Yet despite his reputation, John, still manages to seduce the young and beautiful Isabella of Angouleme. But in taking her as his bride he makes an enemy for life. And in the tempestuous years that follow many men come to believe that the House of Anjou was tainted by the Devil's blood, the loathsome monarch was himself Evil Incarnate, the very Prince of Darkness...

In this "memoir" by Elizabeth I, legendary historical novelist Jean Plaidy reveals the Virgin Queen as she truly was: the bewildered, motherless child of an all-­powerful father; a captive in the Tower of London; a shrewd politician; a lover of the arts; and eventually, an icon of an era. It is the story of her improbable rise to power and the great triumphs of her reign--­the end of religious bloodshed, the settling of the New World, the defeat of the Spanish Armada. Brilliantly clever, a scholar with a ready wit, she was also vain, bold, and unpredictable, a queen who commanded--­and won--­absolute loyalty from those around her. But in these pages, in her own voice, Elizabeth also recounts the emotional turmoil of her life: the loneliness of power; the heartbreak of her lifelong love affair with Robert Dudley, whom she could never marry; and the terrible guilt of ordering the execution of her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots. In this unforgettable novel, Elizabeth emerges as one of the most fascinating and controversial women in history, and as England's greatest monarch.

The fictionalized account of one of 19th-­century England's most notorious scandals, by one of Britain's premier historical novelists. In this story, so full of excitement and mystery that it would seem incredible fiction if it were not based on real life, Jean Plaidy has created a fascinating portrait of one woman's tragic life.

Bringing history to life, Plaidy tells the story of a young, idealistic Prince of Wales... The Prince of Wales develops a deep affection for a beautiful quakeress, Hannah Lightfoot, who catches his eye as he is riding through the streets. A first meeting is arranged, leading to several more, and eventually they discreetly marry in a secluded house where they live as man and wife. She is prepared to betray her beliefs for him, just as he is willing to defy the desires of various courtiers for her. Eventually, his mother's lover Lord Bute uncovers the affair and Hannah mysteriously disappears. The novel explores the lasting question, did the future George III contradict royal protocol and marry a commoner? Shortly after his affair with Hannah, he becomes King George III. After a potential engagement to Sarah Lennox falls through, he marries Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-­Strelitz.

The young Spanish widow, Katharine of Aragon, has become the pawn between two powerful monarchies. Daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, she is married for less than a year when the frail Prince Arthur of England passes away. The question of whether their marriage was ever consummated will decide both her fate and England's. But whilst England and Spain dispute her dowry, in the wings awaits her unexpected escape from poverty: Henry, Arthur's younger, more handsome brother - and unknowingly, the future King of England ~ Henry VIII. He alone has the power to restore her position, but at what sacrifice?

Reckoned by those about him to be the most handsome man in the country, Edward the fourth has risen to the throne with the help of Warwick, the kingmaker. But even Warwick's trusted advice cannot convince the King to ignore his passion for the beautiful widow, Elizabeth Woodville - and when she refuses to become his mistress the two are married. Beloved of the people, Edward proves himself to be a strong king, but his love of luxurious living soon begins to impact on his royal duties. Despite his mistresses, Elizabeth is loyal to the illustrious king, providing him with many children, among them Edward the fifth and Richard Duke of York. But Edward lived recklessly and on his death an incident from his past comes to light that will change the course of history.

DISCOVER A LOST CLASSIC IN PLAIDY'S SCINTILLATING NORMAN SERIES The death of The Conqueror left three sons to inherit his power and his wealth. Normandy for Robert, England for Rufus and for Henry, the youngest, five thousand pounds of silver. The three were natural rivals. The feckless Robert lost Norman dukedom in an orgy of impulsive extravagance. Red-­haired Rufus scandalised the court with his perverse sexuality and contempt for the Church. And Henry-­cleverest of all-­awaited his chance to fulfil his father's prophecy and assume the mantle of The Lion of Justice. 'Jean Plaidy, by the skilful blending of superb storytelling and meticulous attention to authenticity of detail and depth of characterisation has become one of the country's most widely read novelists.­' Sunday Times 'Full-­blooded, dramatic, exciting.­' Observer 'Plaidy excels at blending history with romance and drama.­' New York Times 'Outstanding' Vanity Fair

When Henry VI becomes king, it is soon clear that he would be better suited to a quiet life than to ruling the country. Richard, Duke of York, is convinced that he would make a better king and has more right to the crown, and he will stop at nothing to claim it. But Margaret of Anjou, Henry's new French wife, is a formidable woman who is just as determined to keep Henry on the throne. Most powerful of all is the Earl of Warwick, the kingmaker, and with his support of Richard of York the War of the Roses begins. When Henry VI lapses into madness and eventually meets his mysterious end in the Wakefield Tower, Margaret directs all of her ambition towards her young son, Passionate and impulsive she begins scheming for him, and in doing so dashes headlong into disaster ...