
In the summer of 1791, the tranquil English countryside around Netherstock hides a restless spirit. James Stansfield, a good‑natured squire’s son who spends his days among lively village fêtes and the occasional horse race, finds his world suddenly intersected with the storm raging across the Channel. When a daring French lugger appears on the horizon, it brings news of the Vendee uprising—a fierce, grassroots revolt against revolutionary France, fought by peasants armed only with muskets and resolve.
Drawn into this turmoil, James accompanies a band of brave countrymen eager to defend their faith and liberty. The early chapters follow their uneasy march into unfamiliar terrain, the clash of makeshift militia with seasoned dragoons, and the raw courage that fuels every skirmish. Listeners will feel the tension of open‑field battles, the camaraderie of rugged scouts, and the stark reality of a people determined never to surrender.
Language
en
Duration
~10 hours (607K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Martin Robb
Release date
2006-12-11
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1832–1902
Best known for fast-moving historical adventures, this prolific Victorian writer turned real wars, distant places, and imperial history into stories that thrilled generations of young readers. Before becoming a hugely popular novelist, he worked as a journalist and war correspondent, giving his fiction a strong sense of action and detail.
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