The Yeoman Adventurer

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

7326

Title

The Yeoman Adventurer

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in 1740s Staffordshire, this first-person memoir follows Noll Wheatman, a yeoman farmer torn between his love for his sister Kate and his devotion to his books. When war breaks out, he joins the dragoons, embarking on a wild adventure filled with highwayman antics, magical encounters, and romantic entanglements. A witty, episodic tale blending rustic charm with high-stakes drama.

Summary up to 500 words

In George W. Gough's *The Yeoman Adventurer*, the narrative follows Noll Wheatman, a scholarly yeoman from the Hanyards in Staffordshire, whose quiet life is irrevocably altered by the arrival of Mistress Margaret Waynflete. The story opens with Noll refusing to watch Jacobite soldiers march past his home, fearing the loss of his sister Kate to the army. His peace is shattered when he catches a massive pike, an event that draws the attention of the strikingly beautiful Margaret. As the Jacobite rising unfolds, Noll joins Lord Brocton's dragoons, transforming from a bookish dreamer into a seasoned adventurer. The novel unfolds as a series of episodic adventures that blend rustic simplicity with aristocratic corruption and fantastical elements. Noll navigates complex loyalties, forming a deep friendship with the idealistic Jack Dobson while developing an enmity toward the corrupt and predatory Lord Brocton. The plot takes Noll on a journey through war-torn England, the moorlands, and even to Egypt, where he encounters a conjurer and faces the dangers of battle. Themes of love, loyalty, and the harsh realities of 18th-century life permeate the text, balanced with humor and pathos. Central to the narrative is the relationship between Noll and Margaret. Despite the chaos of war and the threat of death, their bond remains steadfast. Jack Dobson, though marching to fight, expresses his love for Kate, highlighting the personal stakes of the conflict. Noll's character evolves as he confronts the brutality of war, including the grim fate of his friend Swift Nick, yet he retains his capacity for love and wonder. The story culminates in Noll's return home, where he marries Margaret and finds peace. The epilogue reveals the happy domestic life of the Wheatman family years later, with Noll and Margaret raising children, including a young boy who inherits his father's love for fishing. Ultimately, the novel celebrates the triumph of human connection over political strife and the enduring power of love and loyalty.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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2026-06-29 20:57 UTC

Categories

• Adventure
• Fiction