The Unspeakable Gentleman

by John P Marquand

Overview

In "The Unspeakable Gentleman," Captain Sheldon, estranged from his wife and son, returns home after years of disgrace. His departure was linked to undisclosed events, and now he faces pursuit by agents of the French Revolution. He finds himself safeguarding a mysterious letter and a spirited young lady, admitting his flaws while recounting a life lived on the edge. With his reputation shattered and wealth lost, he claims to have thrived through cleverness, abandoning the societal values that once condemned him. Despite his turbulent lifestyle, Sheldon retains his physical prowess and continues to inspire loyalty among his crew and respect from a noble French family. His body servant, Brutus, is portrayed as a figure of loyalty, with respect for him serving as a marker of moral character. Marquand's narrative weaves themes of honor, loyalty, and the complexities of societal norms against the backdrop of a brewing revolution, inviting reflections on personal redemption.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789368098317
Publisher:	Double 9 Books
Publication date:	11/01/2024
Pages:	142
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.33(d)

About the Author

John P. Marquand (November 10, 1893 - July 16, 1960) was an American writer renowned for his keen observations of upper-class society. He initially gained fame for his Mr. Moto spy stories but later achieved critical acclaim for his satirical novels, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1938 for ""The Late George Apley."" Marquand's works often explore the restrictive nature of life among the elite and those aspiring to join them, balancing respect and satire in his portrayals. By the mid-1930s, Marquand was a prolific writer for magazines like the Saturday Evening Post, producing short stories that sometimes reflected historical themes. His early novels, including ""The Unspeakable Gentleman"" and ""The Black Cargo,"" were categorized as "costume fiction," a genre he later abandoned. In the late 1930s, he focused on novels addressing class dilemmas, particularly in New England. Notable works include ""Wickford Point"" (1939), ""H.M. Pulham, Esquire"" (1941), and ""Point of No Return"" (1949).