Lady Elinors Wicked Adventures

The amazing marriage of Katherine of Valois, widow of Henry V, with Owen Tudor, possibly accounts for much that was abnormal in the character of their royal descendants of the redoubted House of Tudor. The queen dowager was the daughter of the mad King Charles VI of France and of his licentious consort, Isabeau of Bavaria—bad blood, indeed; and Owen was a mere soldier of fortune. In his grandson Henry VII’s day, a goodly pedigree was discovered for him, which set forth that far from being a “mean born pup,” as was popularly reported, Owen was descended from Kenan, son of Coel, who was king of Britain, and brother of Helen, the mother of Constantine the Great. As to Owen ap Merideth ap Twydder or Tudor, good old Sandford affirms that “the Meanness of his Estate was recompensated by the Delicacy of his Person, so absolute in all the Lineaments of his Body, that the only Contemplation of it might make a Queen forget all other Circumstances”—which it did! Stowe, who lived near enough to those times to receive direct tradition concerning this brave soldier, says, in his Annals, that he was “as ignorant as any savage.” Tall beyond the average, the founder of the House of Tudor carried himself with “a perfect grace.” He was well featured, with hair that was curly and “yellow as gold.” At an entertainment given in 1423, and attended, notwithstanding her recent bereavement, by the widowed queen, this Adonis, while in the act of executing an intricate pirouette, fell at the royal lady’s feet. Whether the passion kindled by this ludicrous accident was reciprocated, we are not told; but so ardent was it, on Katherine’s part, at least, that she soon afterwards clandestinely married the handsome Welshman. The enemies of the House of Tudor averred that this secret marriage never really took place, and it is a singular fact that no allusion whatever is made to it in the hearse verse originally placed over the tomb of Queen Katherine in Westminster Abbey, and quoted in full in the contemporary Chronicle of William of Worcester.

In this book McKibbin investigates the ways in which class culture characterised English society and intruded every aspect of life, during the period 1918-1951. He also shows the increasing effects of Americanisation on this culture.

CHILDHOOD CLASSICS - Ultimate Collection, comprising over 1400 tales, embraces a literary tapestry woven from the fabric of magic, adventure, fairytales, and legends. This anthology showcases the rich diversity and profound depth of literary styles, ranging from the whimsical enchantments of Lewis Carroll to the robust adventures of Mark Twain, underpinned by the universal themes of exploration, moral discovery, and the quest for understanding. Each story stands as a pillar of the genre, with the collection as a whole highlighting significant milestones and transformative narratives that have shaped our cultural heritage and continue to inspire generations of readers and writers alike. The contributing authors and editors, heralds of their time, brought forth a collective treasure trove that transcends the mere act of storytelling. Figures such as Jules Verne and Rudyard Kipling, with their forward-looking visions, Oscar Wilde with his incisive wit, and Harriet Beecher Stowe's poignant narratives, reflect a confluence of historical, cultural, and literary movements spanning from the Victorian era to the early 20th century. This assembly of legendary talents offers readers a unique window into the diverse contexts, values, and dilemmas that these stories navigated, highlighting the enduring relevance of these tales. CHILDHOOD CLASSICS - Ultimate Collection serves as an invaluable repository for those eager to embark on a journey through the landscapes of imagination and legacy. It appeals not only to young readers but also to adults who yearn to revisit the narratives that shaped their earliest reading experiences. This anthology presents a unique opportunity to explore a vast array of literary craftsmanship, themes, and the intricate interplay of cultural histories. Venturing into this collection promises a rewarding exploration of the worlds that have captivated hearts and minds, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling and its power to reflect and shape the human condition.