The new case was probably just a matrimonial. Sad, because of the girl involved, but inevitable, given the background. When private detective Frank Sterling returns to Belgium, however, things take a darker turn. Before long, he and his ragtag team are involved in a desperate adventure. With characteristic persistence, and his usual haphazard combination of skill and intuition, Sterling uncovers a conspiracy far beyond the concerns of a jilted lover. Insurrection, murder, and betrayal are just some of the challenges to be faced and overcome...
From out of the west comes THE GOLDEN SPURS--the best Western short stories selected by the Western Writers of America. From the Indians before the coming of the white man, from the deadly shootouts to steadfast wagon trains, from women in horrifying Indian captivity to life and death battles between cattlemen and sheepmen, this is the Western short story at its very best. Included are the most popular, most read, and most loved of Western writers: James Bellah, author of She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, Dorothy M. Johnson, author of A Man Called Horse and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence, and Will Henry, the most detailed and authentic Western writer of them all. The Gholden Spurs is a prize for anyone who loves the west as it used to be. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
The Franco-Flemish region of medieval Flanders was a locus of important trade routes in the 13th and 14th centuries. Located in a prime position between the Holy Roman Empire and the North Sea (present-day northern Belgium), the urban centers of the region were surpassed in population only by the city-states of central and northern Italy. This positioning afforded the Flemish citizens of the region great prosperity and they formed guilds to protect their rights, regulate their working hours and standardize their wages. These guilds produced a cohesive unit of people eager to retain the rights they had gained. In 1302, French cavalry faced the determined Flemish soldiers on foot at Kortrijk (Courtrai). This book analyzes the battle that ensued, its origins, consequences and legacy. It also examines the everyday lives of the inhabitants of Flanders; urban dwellers, knights, nobles, women and others. This is the first major English-language study of the historic 14th century battle between the French and the Flemish, a conflict whose repercussions linger in modern Belgium. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.
Flemish townspeople defeat the cream of French nobility, and explode the myth of knightly invincibility for ever. Discussion of bias in sources and difficulties of interpretation preface careful account of what actually happened during the three-hour battle. On 11 July 1302, below the town walls of Courtrai, the most splendid army of knights in Christendom, the flower of the French nobility, was utterly defeated by Flemish rebels, common workers and peasants. The French knights, products of a lifetime's training, were ably led; but so too were the Courtrai townspeople, in addition to being well-armed, and their victory, despite their lack of military skills (and golden spurs), put an end to the enduring myth of the invincibility of the knight. A French explanation of the terrible defeat was immediately given, intended to save the honour and pride of the French nobility; in Flanders the victory was glorified as a just reward for the bravery of the townsmen and the competence of their commanders. Unfortunately there were no impartial witnesses. Any account of the battle must therefore pay careful attention to the personalities of the chroniclers, their nationality, and their political and social leanings, as well as their personal sympathies. Verbruggen's study is prefaced by discussion of the problems of reconstruction and extensive consideration of the sources, showing the difficultiesfaced by medieval military historians in attempts to interpret them. He then offers his own account of the events of that dramatic day, a case study in the reconstruction of events in one of the greatest battles of the middle ages.J.F. VERBRUGGEN lectured at the Royal Military School in Brussels, and then taught in Africa, retiring as Professor of History, University of Congo, and University of Bujumbura (Burundi). He is also the author of The Art ofWarfare in Western Europe. Originally published in Dutch in 1954, translated and updated.
Percy F. Westerman's 'The Winning of the Golden Spurs' is a thrilling adventure novel set in the 16th century, following the journey of young Walter Raleigh as he becomes embroiled in the court politics and expeditions of the Elizabethan era. Westerman's descriptive prose captures the tumultuous atmosphere of the time, creating a riveting narrative that transports readers back to the age of exploration and conquest. The novel's mix of historical accuracy and dramatic storytelling makes it a compelling read for both history enthusiasts and adventure lovers alike. The author's attention to detail and vivid characterizations breathe life into the plot, making it a truly captivating read. Percy F. Westerman's own experiences as a naval officer undoubtedly influenced his writing of 'The Winning of the Golden Spurs,' as his knowledge of seafaring and military operations shines through in the novel. His expertise in maritime affairs adds an extra layer of authenticity to the story, grounding it in the realities of the time period. Westerman's passion for history and adventure is evident in every page, making this book a standout in his vast body of work. I highly recommend 'The Winning of the Golden Spurs' to anyone interested in historical fiction, naval adventures, or the Elizabethan era. Percy F. Westerman's skillful storytelling and deep understanding of the period make this novel a must-read for anyone looking for an immersive and exciting literary experience.
Book One of the Golden Spurs series. From the cradle, Lizzy Kemble had the powerful sense that she didn't belong in her family's notorious Texas empire. Her desire for land-grabbing Cole Knight, embittered son of the neighboring rancher, proved her right. Her daddy had done everything possible to turn her into a proper Kemble—all the way to leaving his vast Golden Spurs Ranch in her hands after he fell victim to a stroke. But when her father's death turns out to be murder, Lizzy knows someone is willing to kill to claim the Kemble wealth…and she's next on the hit list. With the Golden Spurs at risk, she';s fighting back…but who is the enemy? The enigmatic Cole? Her cutthroat family? Caught in a high-stakes game of win, lose or die, Lizzy is forced to gamble her ranch, her heart, her very life for the truth behind the Golden Spurs. Previously Published.
Continuing the re-release of the late Dawn Powell's acclaimed fiction, this is the story of an engagingly amoral hero who desires to replace his real father with an imagined one. Using his mother's diaries, he seeks the off-beat artist or writer whose youthful indiscretion he believes he might have been--in the process coming to grips with his parentage and himself. Originally published in 1962.
Seven-year-old James wants to be a brave and noble knight like his father. He dreams of the day that he too will wear the golden spurs that symbolize knighthood. But before his dreams are realized, James must work for seven years as a page and for seven more as a squire, learning to ride, hunt, and fight.
