The Robber, A Tale.

"The Robber, A Tale" by G. P. R. James is a novel written in the early 19th century. The story unfolds in a picturesque setting known as merry England, portraying the stark contrast between the court and the countryside during a time steeped in tradition and the remnants of feudal influence. The narrative centers around the character of Captain Henry Langford, a young man with a mysterious past who is drawn into a complex web of relationships and conflicts, particularly in relation to the enchanting Alice Herbert and her noble father, Sir Walter Herbert. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Langford as he arrives in a quaint country town during a beautiful May morning. He appears to be an angler, but his thoughts reveal deeper concerns as he contemplates his past and future. As he engages with the jovial landlord Gregory Myrtle, we learn of the local community and the tensions that simmer beneath its surface, including recent robberies. The opening chapters effectively establish the serene yet charged atmosphere of rural life, introduces significant characters, and sets up the impending drama linked to Langford's interactions with Alice Herbert and her suitor, Lord Harold, hinting at intriguing emotional and social conflicts to unfold. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

George Payne Rainsford James, was an English novelist and historical writer, the son of a physician in London. He was for many years British Consul at various places in the United States and on the Continent. He held the honorary office of British Historiographer Royal during the last years of William IV's reign.