Stanley J. Weyman, R. Caton Woodville
Under the Red Robe
language
( April 5, 2014)
Under the Red Robe is set in 1630s France. The hero, Gil de Berault, is an impoverished gentleman, a gambler and duellist, whose life is forfeit because of Cardinal Richelieu's edict against duelling. He is given a choice between execution and being sent as a secret agent to capture a disaffected nobleman. The dubious mission seems the best choice at first. But he falls in love with the sister of the man he is sent to betray, redeems himself by setting the man free, and returns to face the Cardinal on 'The Day of the Dupes.'
The novel was well received by contemporary historical novelists. Conan Doyle wrote that Under the Red Robe had "the most dramatic opening of any historical novel I know", and Robert Louis Stevenson commented favourably both on the first chapter and on the surprise which the author keeps to the very end. Siegfried Sassoon in his autobiography described his excitement as a schoolboy on first reading a copy.
The novel was well received by contemporary historical novelists. Conan Doyle wrote that Under the Red Robe had "the most dramatic opening of any historical novel I know", and Robert Louis Stevenson commented favourably both on the first chapter and on the surprise which the author keeps to the very end. Siegfried Sassoon in his autobiography described his excitement as a schoolboy on first reading a copy.
- Pages
- 121