Micah Clarke

Micah Clarke is one of Doyle’s Historical Adventures. The pivotal event around which the story is woven is the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685. (In other words, Monmouth lost!) Doyle is much more than just a chronicler of the stories of Sherlock Holmes. He also wrote ten volumes of short stories in a wide variety of settings. He wrote science fiction in the Professor Challenger stories, he wrote the Brigadier Gerard stories. In fact, the Brigadier Gerard stories are a good place to start in reading Doyle’s historical fiction. The adventures of Brigadier Gerard and the Exploits of Brigadier Gerard which are set in the Napoleonic era are excellent examples of Doyle’s historical fiction.

Micah Clarke could just as easily have been called show more either The Adventures of Micah Clarke or the Exploits of Micah Clarke because the same elements that Doyle used in the Brigadier Gerard stories he uses in Micah Clarke. Brilliant characterisation, surprising developments, thrilling escapades, and superb writing. The thing I like about Doyle’s style of writing is the way he can draw you into the character or story with a few well chosen, dynamic words. His style is lively, dynamic, fluid and involving. As soon as I start reading anything by Doyle I feel a frisson of excitement because I know I am in the hands of a master. I could never imagine using words like dull, lifeless, boring or uninteresting in respect to Doyle. To be in the presence of Doyle is to be in the presence of a towering intellect and a superior imagination.

I just love his style. I keep asking myself, ‘how does he do that!’ Sheer Genius!

My Recommendation :

Cons:

What’s not to like!

Pros:

Brilliant characterisation, surprising developments, thrilling escapades, and superb writing. Come on, what more do you want!. show less

This my 2nd time reading one of Doyle's historical novels. He viewed these books as his best work. He wanted to be known for these "serious" novels. But I didn't enjoy it. The Duke of Monmouth's rebellion does not get much attention - so that is different.

An attempt by Conan Doyle to present the story of the Puritans in a more favorable light than generally thought of in England at the time the book was written. Doyle's third book, but his first real commerical success, Micah Clarke sold several thousand copies in its first two years. The earlier A Study in Scarlet was a slow starter, but eventually sold more copies. However, Doyle enjoyed a 10% royalty on Micah Clarke, while receiving a meager £25 for Study.
"Micah Clarke: His Statement as made to His Three Grandchildren, Joseph, Gervas & Reuben during the Hard Winter of 1734. Wherein is contained a full report of certain passages in his early life, together with some account of his journey from Havant to Taunton with Decimus Saxon in show more the summer of 1685. Also of the adventures that befell them during the Western Rebellion, & of their intercourse with James Duke of Monmouth, Lord Grey & other persons of quality. Compiled day by day, from his own narration, by Joseph Clarke, & never previously set forth in print. Now for the first time collected, corrected & re-arranged from the original manuscripts" show less