The White Cipher

by Henry Leverage

Overview

Excerpt: "Swirled in the maze of a slow awakening, dropped through an abyss from zenith to nadir, the prisoner came out of his dreams and stared through the bars of his door to the pearl gray of the coming dawn. C-45—better known in international underworld circles as Chester Fay, alias Edward Letchmere—was serving ten years at hard labor for the crime, committed against the peace and dignity of the country, of opening—by means unguessed by Scotland Yard—a jeweler's strong-box in Hatton Gardens; which is, aside from "The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street," the strictest patrolled district in the city of London. Chester Fay, alias Edward Letchmere, studied the crack of dawn as it crept over the man-made barricade, through the slotted windows of the great gray cell block, and bathed the harsh walls of the prison with the rosy light of pearl changed into ruby and from ruby into gold. And there was something prophetic in the mellow magic of the chromatic changes in the English sky! A bell clanged at the front of the prison. A key grated in a lock. An iron door opened. Shuffling feet sounded, like an old woman's in a lane. C-45 lowered the edge of his shoddy blanket—stamped here and there with the broad arrow—and watched where the grated bars of the door formed tiny crosses against the dull gray of the wall."

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783987449314
Publisher:	Otbebookpublishing
Publication date:	11/24/2022
Series:	Classics To Go
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	177
File size:	987 KB

About the Author

Henry Leverage, an enigmatic figure in early 20th-century American literature, carved a niche for himself with his vivid portrayals of the American West and its tumultuous history. Born in 1876, Leverage grew up during a period of significant transformation in the United States, witnessing the closing of the frontier and the rise of industrialization. His works often reflect a deep fascination with the rugged landscapes and complex cultural dynamics of the Western frontier.Leverage's literary contributions extend beyond mere storytelling; he was a meticulous researcher, often embedding authentic historical details within his narratives. This dedication to accuracy earned him a reputation as a reliable chronicler of Western history, a trait that has intrigued historians and literary critics alike. His ability to humanize historical figures and events has made his works enduringly popular.Controversy was never far from Leverage's career. He was known for his unapologetic portrayal of the conflicts between Native American tribes and the U.S. military, which sometimes drew criticism for its stark realism. However, this same quality also garnered praise for shedding light on the often-overlooked perspectives of Native Americans during a period when their voices were largely marginalized.Leverage's influence on contemporary writers is undeniable. His pioneering approach to blending historical fact with compelling narrative has inspired a generation of historical fiction authors. Furthermore, his works are credited with helping to shape the modern Western genre, emphasizing character depth and moral complexity over simplistic heroism.In an era where the past is continually re-examined, Henry Leverage's contributions remain significant. His revolutionary ideas about historical storytelling and his commitment to presenting a balanced view of history continue to resonate, offering valuable insights into the American experience.
David Carroll Henry (1879-1931), aka ‘Henry Leverage’‘Henry Leverage’ was arguably the most prolific and successful pulp fiction writer of the immediate post-World War I era, yet you will find little about him online or in print – certainly very little that’s true. ‘Henry Leverage’ was not born in London, England, but in WaKeeny, Trego County, Kansas. He was born in on October 9, 1879, not 1885, and baptised in Philadelphia in 1886. He never stepped foot in England and never defended London with the Royal Air Force in 1917-18. But he did spend time in Sing Sing Prison in Ossining, New York, and was forever the king of spinning a good yarn … mostly with the aid of a Corona 3 portable typewriter and a most lurid imagination.