The Fortunes Of Perkin Warbeck A Romance — Gothic

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The Fortunes Of Perkin Warbeck A Romance

Name: The Fortunes Of Perkin Warbeck A Romance
Price: 36.95 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781419162817

✍️ Mary Shelley

Reader Score

4.2

(3 reviews)

$36.95

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A facsimile reprint of Mary Shelley's historical romance about Perkin Warbeck.

The narrative follows the life and claims of Perkin Warbeck, a figure who challenged the English throne. Shelley draws on historical traditions to construct a romanticized account of his rise and fall. The book is structured as a prose romance, blending factual events with imaginative speculation about the protagonist’s motivations and relationships. It reflects the Gothic interest in identity and deception that characterizes much of Shelley’s broader literary output. The story does not rely on supernatural elements but instead focuses on the psychological and political tensions of the era.

Key Themes

Perkin Warbeck Tudor monarchy historical romance

Literary Context

This text was originally written by Mary Shelley, a key figure in Gothic literature. It was reprinted by Kessinger Publishing in 2004 as part of their effort to preserve culturally important works. The edition aims to protect and promote world literature through affordable, high-quality modern reproductions that remain true to the original content.

Mary Shelley

📚 all books by this author (292) →

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Bram Stoker · Ann Radcliffe · Colin Wilson

🏚️

Gothic

🏛 Kessinger Publishing 📅 2004 📖 416 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781419162817

📚 This Book in Collections

🖤 Horror Romance & Dark Romance

📝 Description: The Fortunes Of Perkin Warbeck A Romance

Mary Shelley presents a historical romance centered on Perkin Warbeck in this work published by Kessinger Publishing. The text functions as a narrative exploration of identity and legitimacy during a turbulent period in English history. Readers encounter a story that weaves political intrigue with personal drama, focusing on the claims made by the titular figure against the established order of the Tudor monarchy. This edition is a facsimile reprint of an original antiquarian volume. The publisher notes that due to the age of the source material, the book may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia, and flawed pages. These physical characteristics are preserved to maintain fidelity to the original work. The text is organized as a continuous romance rather than a scholarly analysis or a collection of essays. This volume suits readers interested in historical fiction from the early nineteenth century and those who appreciate Mary Shelley’s range beyond her famous monster tale. It does not appeal to readers seeking pristine, modern typesetting or those who require strict historical accuracy over romantic interpretation. The book remains a specific artifact of literary history, offering a tangible connection to the publishing practices of the early two thousand fourth year.

💎 Our verdict on The Fortunes Of Perkin Warbeck A Romance

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

This facsimile reprint presents a challenging experience for readers expecting pristine modern typography or rigorous historical documentation. The preservation of original imperfections, such as marginalia and flawed pages, may distract those seeking a clean reading experience. However, it remains a fascinating artifact for enthusiasts of early nineteenth-century Gothic literature and historical romance. It does not suit readers who require strict historical accuracy or those averse to the romanticized interpretation of political figures. The narrative focuses on psychological tension rather than supernatural horror, which might disappoint those expecting typical Shelleyian dread. Ultimately, it is a niche item for collectors and literary historians rather than casual genre fans seeking straightforward entertainment.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This volume offers a unique window into Mary Shelley’s literary range beyond her most famous monster tale, appealing to those interested in the intersection of history and romantic fiction. Readers who appreciate narratives exploring the psychological tensions of identity and legitimacy will find value in its examination of Perkin Warbeck’s claims against the Tudor monarchy. It serves as a specific artifact for collectors and scholars seeking tangible connections to early nineteenth-century publishing practices. Those who enjoy historical intrigue blended with personal drama will gain insight into how Shelley utilized factual events alongside imaginative speculation. It is particularly suitable for individuals interested in the Gothic interest in deception and the political turmoil of the era, provided they accept the romantic interpretation over strict historical accuracy.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

⭐ HorrorReads editorial review Editorial rating 4.3/5

★★★★★

Seekers of early nineteenth-century historical romance and scholars exploring Shelley’s lesser-known literary range will find this compelling. However, if you demand pristine modern typography or rigid historical factual accuracy rather than romantic interpretation, this antiquarian artifact is not…

Reader rating

4.2

Based on 3 reviews

Ruth J.

June 21, 2026

Ordered it for Halloween and it came in time. It leans on old gothic bones and makes them creak convincingly. The atmosphere builds slowly and then does not let go. The cover feels thinner than expected. Happy enough with the purchase.

Thomas D.

March 2, 2025

Read it in one night

Arrived quickly and well packaged. A few scenes I will not forget, whether I want to or not. The atmosphere builds slowly and then does not let go.

❓ Frequently asked questions

No, it is a facsimile of an original antiquarian volume. It preserves period imperfections like marginalia for authenticity.

Not traditionally. It is a political historical romance focusing on identity and Tudor monarchy claims, not supernatural terror.

📖 Who should read this

📜 Historical context

Published in the wake of Shelley’s Gothic fame, this narrative diverges from supernatural tropes to examine Tudor-era political legitimacy through a personal lens. It reflects the Romantic era’s fascination with identity and authority, positioning itself as a significant bridge between historical documentation and dramatic fiction during England’s turbulent dynastic shifts.