The Fortunes of Perkin Warbeck: a romance

"The Fortunes of Perkin Warbeck: A Romance" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century. The book explores the life and tumultuous adventures of Perkin Warbeck, who claimed to be the lost Duke of York, and weaves together themes of identity, legitimacy, and power during the tumultuous Wars of the Roses. As the narrative opens, we encounter a series of characters embroiled in the turbulent conflicts surrounding the throne of England, particularly focusing on the aftermath of the Battle of Bosworth Field. The opening of the novel introduces us to three horsemen fleeing the aftermath of the battle, showcasing their urgency and desperation. They engage in dialogue that reveals their determination to escape to safety while contemplating their connections to noble families and potential allies. The scene shifts as one of the horsemen, disheartened by their situation, insists on parting ways unless they moderate their pace. This emphasizes the themes of loyalty and the perilous nature of political alliances. Ultimately, the fugitives’ flight leads them to a chapel, where they seek solace and assistance, foreshadowing the intertwining fates of Warbeck and the royal lineage he claims to represent. Through these initial interactions, Shelley sets the stage for a tale steeped in historical intrigue and the struggle for power. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley was an English novelist who wrote the Gothic novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus (1818), which is considered an early example of science fiction. She also edited and promoted the works of her husband, the Romantic poet and philosopher Percy Bysshe Shelley. Her father was the political philosopher William Godwin and her mother was the philosopher and women's rights advocate Mary Wollstonecraft.