Arthur Quiller-Couch (1863–1944)

Q-C takes a few of the legendary 'true' stories that emerged from the Peninsular Wars and Waterloo ranging from acts of tremendous courage, to infamy, from humourous to heart-rending and even a bit of ghostly intrigue (the last story, my favourite!). Due to my obsession with all things Regency Era I have read extensively about the Peninsular Wars and so caught many of the references, in particular the stories of the two cousins MacNeill, modelled on the extraordinary Colquhoun Grant (see >29 above for review of biography) who was a spy but never wore a disguise, always had on his red coat (tho' he would put a black cloak over it, he wasn't a complete idiot). If you are into the era, know your Napoleonic War lore and like adventure stories--and Q-C doesn't mess around--you'll be happy. ****… (more)

"Q" opens the collection with a story called "The Roll-Call of the Reef". Then follow stories entitled: The Monkey Flower, The Czarina's Violet, Old Aeson, A Pair of Hands, Onca Aboard the Lugger, The Bridals of Ysselmonde, The Conspiracy aboard the "Midas", The Paupers, Our Lady of Gwithian, Phoebus on Halzaphron, Pipes in Arcady, John and the Ghosts, The Two Householders, The Small People, Psyche, The Magic Shadow, and Oceanus. All of the stories have a hint of the supernatural in their subject matter. At the back of the book is a list of the first 169 issues of the Kings Treasuries Series.… (more)