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Bagatelle and Some Other Diversions by Marjorie Bowen is about Captain Engel van Dollart as he fulfills the dirty deeds of his master, the General Aspremont Reckheim. Excerpt: "The Author who offers these tales has called them Bagatelle (a game, a diversion, a trifle), having been moved to write them through the poignant appeal of those aspects of the past, the decorations of peoples and age long since gone, which to most appear but a game, a trifle—bagatelle. They might be named, too, stories of empty palaces, of closed mansions, of deserted castles, built to affront the enemy in the game of war, or to entertain the friend in the game of pleasure."

Marjorie Bowen's "The Third Estate" presents a captivating narrative set against the backdrop of the tumultuous French Revolution, weaving a tapestry of rich character development and historical intricacies. Bowen'Äôs prose is marked by its vivid imagery and psychological depth, enabling readers to immerse themselves in the complexities of human motivations and societal upheavals. The novel shines a light on the struggles of the lower classes'Äîreferred to as the Third Estate'Äîand offers a profound exploration of social injustice, hope, and the quest for equality during a transformative era in history. Marjorie Bowen, a prolific and versatile author known for her historical novels, was deeply influenced by her own experiences with class and society. Her keen interest in history and the plight of the marginalized can be traced back to her own family background, which likely propelled her to explore themes of social disparity and personal resilience. Bowen's array of literary works often reflects her commitment to portraying the emotional landscape of individuals caught in the maelstrom of historical events, making her uniquely qualified to address the themes presented in "The Third Estate." For readers with an interest in historical fiction that resonates with contemporary issues, "The Third Estate" provides not only a gripping narrative but also a potent commentary on the enduring relevance of class struggles. Bowen'Äôs adept storytelling, combined with her nuanced understanding of human nature, makes this novel a compelling read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of revolution, society, and the human spirit.

In "The Quest of Glory," Marjorie Bowen intricately weaves a tale of adventure, ambition, and the metaphysical struggles of her characters set against a richly rendered historical backdrop. Bowen's prose exhibits a lyrical quality, blending vivid imagery with a keen psychological insight that draws readers deeply into the motivations and moral dilemmas faced by her protagonists. As a product of the early 20th century, this novel reflects the growing interest in psychological realism and the complexities of the human condition, echoing the thematic concerns of her contemporaries while establishing its unique narrative voice. Marjorie Bowen, a prolific author known for her historical and supernatural fiction, brings her extensive knowledge of history and human nature to this work. Her experiences as a writer in a period marked by social and political upheaval likely influenced her exploration of themes such as ambition and the pursuit of greatness, illuminating the interplay between personal desires and societal expectations. This engaging read is recommended for those who revel in rich historical narratives infused with psychological depth. Readers seeking a thoughtful examination of ambition and its consequences will find "The Quest of Glory" a compelling addition to their literary journeys.

Stinging Nettles by Marjorie Bowen is about Lucie and her inward-facing reflections about her wealth and the meaning of her life. Excerpt: "LUCIE sat in the depths of the big pale-green brocade couch that filled one corner of the dressing-room, and watched the other two women changing their clothes. She shared their depression and felt alien and even uneasy amid the cold mechanical splendours of the great hotel; they were none of them used to this atmosphere of luxury and extravagance..."

The Viper of Milan depicts 14th century Italy as a place of danger and fractious warfare, as disparate groups of nobles fought to achieve and maintain supremacy. A novel steeped in darkness and conflict, we are plunged into the rivalries which rend the province of Lombardy in the early Renaissance. That the reader be immersed, Marjorie Bowen researched the period extensively, noting the rise of the Visconti family who would dominate Milan for decades. Although this novel is not historically accurate, its general depiction of Italian society and nobility of the time - of its priorities, cruelties and caprices - is founded in factual incidents. Marjorie Bowen specialized in historical romances, publishing over a hundred fictional works set in a variety of time periods and locales, together with several biographies of famous figures of yore. Often they contain a romantic element, alongside a gothic or dark aspect; such idiosyncrasy made Bowen a favorite of authors such as Graham Greene. The Viper of Milan, which appeared in 1906, is her earliest published work, the warm reception spurring the young author to further writing.

DigiCat Publishing presents to you this special edition of "Kings-at-Arms" by Marjorie Bowen. DigiCat Publishing considers every written word to be a legacy of humankind. Every DigiCat book has been carefully reproduced for republishing in a new modern format. The books are available in print, as well as ebooks. DigiCat hopes you will treat this work with the acknowledgment and passion it deserves as a classic of world literature.

A fascinating occult literature classic, Marjorie Bowen's Black Magic has the story of rise and fall of Anti-Christ movement deftly filled with living images of corrupted nuns, satanic rituals, spells, demons, intensely unscruplus church, violent thunderstorms, love triangles, witches, ghosts, medieval opulence, violence, comets, and much more. Her Heros face the trial of marching on Rome to fight the devil-driven pope to save the Christianity and the people who have their faith on Christ. "In the large room of a house in a certain quiet city in Flanders, a man was gilding a devil" the first line of this story lifts the curtain to take the reader to a thrilling time-travel. Dirk Renswoude, a craftsman of noble birth, mistreated in some way by his family, meets Thierry, a young scholar on his way to study at the university at Basle and they soon discover that they have a shared fascination for black magic.

Marjorie Bowen's 'A Knight of Spain' is a captivating historical novel set in the era of the Spanish Inquisition. Through vivid storytelling and intricate plot development, Bowen delves into the lives of characters embroiled in the religious and political turmoil of 15th century Spain. The novel is rich in detail, immersing the reader in a world of intrigue, betrayal, and courage. Bowen's eloquent prose and meticulous research make 'A Knight of Spain' a gripping and educational read that sheds light on a dark period of history. As a prominent writer of historical fiction, Bowen masterfully blends fact and fiction, bringing to life the complexities of the past with authenticity and depth. With its compelling narrative and compelling characters, 'A Knight of Spain' is a testament to Bowen's literary prowess and her ability to breathe life into historical events. I highly recommend this book to readers interested in history, politics, and the human experience.

Dark Rosaleen by Marjorie Bowen is about a lonely young boy who is attending a parade of animals when he makes a strange, new friend. Excerpt: "The boy was building a small fort in the Orangery, of toy bricks, mud, and sticks. The Orangery was empty. Only a few, dry, fragrant leaves from last year remained in the corners and on the wide sills of the windows which reached from floor to ceiling. On the other side, a magnificent tapestry was carefully hung and the figures on it seemed to fill the large building."