
Set against the winding lanes and crumbling stone of early London, this tale follows young Denis as he steps from the shadow of his stern, book‑loving father into a world of restless curiosity. The narrative opens with Denis discovering a mysterious ledger that promises salvation, hinting at secrets hidden among the ancient streets of Petty Wales and the bustling docks where ships from distant ports loom. Alongside his lively companion Simon Powell, a Welsh lad full of wild stories, Denis begins to question the quiet authority that has shaped his life.
The story weaves together the everyday labor of a rural estate, the solemn discipline of a disciplined household, and the tantalizing allure of forgotten histories. As Denis watches ships sail past the cliffs and hears whispers of old princes and ruined stone houses, he feels an emerging pull toward adventure and knowledge. The early chapters promise a blend of romance, intrigue, and the timeless charm of London’s bygone alleys, inviting listeners to join a young man's first steps toward self‑discovery.
Language
en
Duration
~8 hours (471K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Al Haines
Release date
2010-10-20
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
b. 1874
Best known today for Idonia: A Romance of Old London, this early-20th-century writer worked in historical fiction and drama, with a taste for adventure, loyalty, and richly imagined settings.
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