The Historical Novels

This omnibus includes 4 of Conan Doyle's historical novels: 1) The White Company (1891) is a motley group of English mercenaries, fighting under the leadership of Sir Nigel Loring. Bound by an unquestioning respect for social order, patriotism and a lust for adventure, the company makes its way to France to fight in the local wars. With assiduous attention to historical detail, Conan Doyle paints a convincing picture of the chivalric life and manners of the 14th century. With a fresh, concise style, this is a robust and stirring tale of adventure with the spirit and humorous touch of a Chaucerian raconteur; in 2) The Exploits of Brigadier Gerard (1896), a book in the Gerard series, having killed off Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle turned his attention to a very different hero. Brigadier Etienne Gerard is an officer in Napoleon's army - recklessly brave, engagingly open-hearted, and unshakable, if not a little absurd, in his devotion to the enigmatic Emperor. Conan Doyle's wonderful stories about the Brigadier - all of which are collected here - are as funny as they are hair-raising, and the Brigadier himself has long since found a place in the hearts of his admirers second only to that of the incomparable Holmes; 3) Adventures of Gerard (1903), the 2nd in the Gerard series; and 4) Sir Nigel (1906). Set in the middle of the 14th century, Sir Nigel is a swashbuckling story of the eponymous hero as he seeks his fortune & the hand of his lady-love in England & France in the early part of the Hundred Years War. It is full of high romance & chivalry, battles & brutality, humor & sheer rumbustiousness as the impoverished Nigel Loring & his attendant Aylward seek their fortunes. Edward III, the Black Prince, Sir John Chandos - one of the original Knights of the Garter - all make their appearances in one of the favorite books from the pen of the creator of Sherlock Holmes.