The Quest of Glory

"The Quest of Glory" by Marjorie Bowen is a historical novel that portrays the lives of French officers during the War of the Austrian Succession. The narrative revolves around the young lieutenant Georges d’Espagnac and his fellow officers in Prague as they grapple with ambition, honor, and the desire for glory amid the harsh realities of war and personal struggles. The young lieutenant embodies the idealistic pursuit of glory for France, even as the dreary siege and heavy cost of war begin to take hold. Set in the bleak winter of 1742, the beginning of the novel emphasizes the characters' allegiances and the differences in how they find honor during the perils of war.