In Kings' Byways

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22334

Title

In Kings' Byways

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in 17th-century France, this historical romance follows the dramatic fall of a clerk to the Bishop of Beauvais, who, after being falsely accused and brutally beaten, flees into the streets of Paris. Blending political intrigue with personal survival, the narrative captures the volatile atmosphere of the era following Richelieu's death, offering a thrilling tale of injustice, escape, and the resilience of the human spirit against overwhelming odds.

Summary up to 500 words

In Stanley John Weyman's *In Kings' Byways*, the narrative unfolds against the turbulent backdrop of late 17th-century Europe, weaving together personal tragedy, political conspiracy, and the shifting tides of revolution. The story opens with Prosper, a clerk to the Bishop of Beauvais, at the zenith of his career and happiness following a recent marriage. His idyllic existence is abruptly shattered when he is falsely accused of falsifying census records and bribing officials. Despite his denials, driven by jealousy and fear, the Bishop's staff brutally beats him and casts him into a courtyard fountain. Escaping the gaolers' whips, Prosper flees through the chaotic streets of Paris, pursued by a mob. He is aided by a mysterious stranger who passes him a bundle, allowing him to hide in a dark alley. His desperate journey leads him to the 'House on the Wall,' a location central to a larger conspiracy involving the assassination of the King. Here, he encounters a woman who has miraculously survived an explosion and the chaos of a revolutionary night. The narrative shifts to explore the intense political tensions of the era, specifically the Jacobite plots against King William III in England. James Hunt, known as 'the Owler,' a smuggler and former Jacobite sympathizer, is forced to turn king's evidence to save his life. This act of betrayal alienates him from his former associates, including his daughter and the apothecary Trot Eubank. Hunt's return to his home in Romney Marsh reveals that his former allies have turned against him, quartering soldiers on his property and threatening his family. The story delves into the treacherous nature of the times, where loyalty is fleeting and survival depends on navigating the shifting tides of political power. Themes of class struggle, the corruption of authority, and the personal cost of political allegiance are woven throughout. The narrative balances high-stakes political conspiracies with intimate moments of family fear and personal redemption. Ultimately, the text presents a vivid portrait of an age defined by danger, where the line between hero and villain is often blurred by circumstance and necessity.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Short Stories
• Fiction
• Travel