France, 1588: a Huguenot gentleman of forty with a good sword, a bad horse and no money is given a commission by the King of Navarre that cannot be admitted to and probably cannot be survived. Weyman failed at the bar and was briefly jailed in France as a suspected spy while on holiday; this 1893 novel made his name, and Stevenson admired it — the poverty of the hero is the fresh thing, and he counts every coin.

France, August 1572: three brothers of a Huguenot house ride for Paris, and the bells of St Germain l'Auxerrois are about to ring. Weyman failed at the bar and was briefly jailed in France as a suspected spy while on holiday; this was his first novel, and the massacre in it is the real thing — the streets, the white armbands, the doors marked in chalk.

Gil de Berault, a duellist and gambler caught breaking the Cardinal's edict, is given a choice: the scaffold, or go to Béarn and bring back a wanted man — by staying in the man's house and betraying his sister. Weyman failed at the bar and was briefly jailed in France as a suspected spy; this 1894 novel is his tightest, and the narrator is a scoundrel who has to be watched.

The Netherlands under Alva: a Dutch town, a Spanish garrison, and men who must decide how much of their lives the revolt is worth. Weyman failed at the bar and was briefly jailed in France as a suspected spy on holiday — after which he wrote historical adventure with an accuracy that irritated professional historians and delighted Stevenson.

The story unfolds as Isabeau, a young and spirited woman, takes on the responsibilities of leadership at Vlaye Abbey amidst political intrigue, religious conflicts, and personal challenges. Weyman's narrative captures the complexities of Isabeau's position as she navigates through alliances, betrayals, and the pressures of maintaining the convent's autonomy and safety during a time of war."The Abbess of Vlaye" is known for its vivid portrayal of historical events and its strong female prot...

"Count Hannibal" is set against the backdrop of the court of France and is likely to involve elements of historical drama, romance, and adventure. Weyman's novels often feature swashbuckling tales with historical settings, and he was well-regarded for his ability to capture the atmosphere of different periods.If you enjoy historical romance with elements of adventure and court intrigue, "Count Hannibal" by Stanley John Weyman might be a captivating read. Keep in mind that the novel reflect...

The story of "My Lady Rotha" is set in 17th-century England and revolves around the character of Lady Margaret Rotha, who becomes entangled in a web of romance, political intrigue, and betrayal. The novel explores themes of love, honor, and loyalty against a backdrop of historical events and social customs of the time.Stanley John Weyman's writing is characterized by vivid descriptions, meticulous historical research, and compelling plots that often involve daring escapades and suspenseful...

The story revolves around a character named Gil de Berault, a handsome and reckless nobleman who becomes embroiled in political intrigue, romance, and danger. The novel's title, "Under the Red Robe," refers to the red robe worn by the Cardinal Richelieu's agents, who are tasked with maintaining the authority of the Cardinal and the Crown.Here is a brief summary of the novel:Gil de Berault, a young French nobleman, has fallen out of favor with the Cardinal Richelieu, who is the powerful chi...

The stories in "In Kings' Byways" typically revolve around episodes of intrigue, romance, and adventure, often set against the backdrop of significant historical events or periods. Weyman's writing style is characterized by its attention to historical detail, vivid descriptions, and engaging plots.While each story in the collection stands alone, they are all connected by the theme of exploring the lives of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary circumstances during times of political u...

The story follows the adventures of Honoré de Sainte-Marie, a young nobleman who becomes involved in the political intrigues and conflicts of the Fronde. Honoré, who is loyal to the cause of the French monarchy, navigates through dangerous and turbulent times, encountering various challenges and adversaries along the way.Weyman's novel is known for its detailed depiction of historical events and its portrayal of Honoré's journey as he fights for his beliefs and principles amidst the chaos ...

The novel explores themes of ambition, financial intrigue, and romance. Julian navigates the complexities of banking, dealing with both business challenges and personal relationships. As he rises in the banking world, he also faces moral dilemmas and choices that impact his career and personal life.Stanley John Weyman is known for his historical fiction that vividly captures the essence of different eras, and "Ovington's Bank" is no exception. The novel is praised for its detailed portraya...

The novel may revolve around the exploits of its protagonist, who may be a dashing and swashbuckling figure caught up in the events of the time. Against the backdrop of the Franco-Spanish War or the French Wars of Religion, the protagonist may become embroiled in a dangerous mission or quest that tests their courage, loyalty, and honor.As the plot unfolds, readers may be introduced to a cast of colorful characters, including nobles, soldiers, spies, and courtiers, each with their own motiv...