The Mountebank by William John Locke
"The Mountebank" by William John Locke is a novel written in the post-World War I era, specifically in the early 20th century. The story introduces Brigadier-General Andrew Lackaday, who reflects on his tumultuous life, particularly the events surrounding his rise from humble beginnings and his experiences in the circus as a child. The narrative unfolds through a correspondence with a friend who has agreed to compile Lackaday's life story, highlighting his struggle
with identity and his efforts to reconcile his past with his present status as a military figure. The opening of the book presents a thoughtful and introspective look at Lackaday's life, marked by a peculiar combination of comedy and tragedy. As he grapples with his past as a circus performer known as "Petit Patou," we see his attempts to transition into the world of military leadership. The reader is introduced to a whimsical yet serious tone, capturing Lackaday's charming yet awkward personality alongside his memories of the Cirque Rocambeau, where he was raised and nurtured by a clown named Ben Flint. Through engaging dialogue and vivid descriptions, the narrative sets the stage for Lackaday's journey of self-discovery, as he grapples with his identity and develops connections with other characters, including Lady Auriol, who plays a significant role in shaping his reflections on life, love, and the complexities of human existence. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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About this eBook
| Author | Locke, William John, 1863-1930 |
|---|---|
| Title | The Mountebank |
| Note | Reading ease score: 74.1 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read. |
| Credits |
Produced by Curtis A. Weyant and The Online Distributed Proofreading Team |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | PR: Language and Literatures: English literature |
| Subject | Circus -- Fiction |
| Subject | World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction |
| Subject | Clowns -- Fiction |
| Category | Text |
| EBook-No. | 8430 |
| Release Date | Jul 1, 2005 |
| Most Recently Updated | Feb 13, 2015 |
| Copyright Status | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 142 downloads in the last 30 days. |
| Project Gutenberg eBooks are always free! | |
