A Legend of Reading Abbey: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
A Legend of Reading Abbey: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
A Legend of Reading Abbey is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for MacFarlane, Charles (1799–1858).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"A Legend of Reading Abbey" by Charles MacFarlane is a historical fiction novel written in the mid-19th century. Set during the 12th century in England, it tells of the turbulent times surrounding King Stephen's reign and the conflicts arising from the struggle for the throne between Stephen and Matilda, the disinherited daughter of King Henry I. The narrative is presented through the eyes of a Benedictine monk named Felix, who recounts events surrounding the Reading Abbey, touching on themes of faith, loyalty, and the chaos of medieval politics. The opening of the novel introduces the abbey and the political landscape of England during a time of civil strife. It describes the construction of Reading Abbey and the privileges it holds, such as exemption from various taxes and tributes. Felix, a youthful novice at the abbey, observes the community's efforts to celebrate solemn occasions even as they face imminent danger. The chapter sets into motion the arrival of a mysterious infant left at the abbey's gates, leading to intrigue among the monks and foreshadowing the turmoil that ensues as the nation descends into conflict, particularly as news of mounting battles and a civil war reaches their ears.
Book and edition facts
- Title: A Legend of Reading Abbey
- Author credits: MacFarlane, Charles (1799–1858)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Great Britain -- History -- Stephen, 1135-1154 -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: British Literature
- Category: Historical Novels
- Category: Novels
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.
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