The Little Duke; or Richard the Fearless

by Charlotte M. Yonge

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Description

Though originally intended for a younger audience, this masterpiece of historical children's literature is a delight for readers of all ages. The Little Duke tells the story of Richard the Fearless, the young Duke of Normandy who ascended to power at a very young age and was then imprisoned. Escaping with the help of a few key confidants, Richard fought to regain control of his kingdom. The Little Duke is gripping, engaging historical fiction that will keep you interested.

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6 reviews
This has been one of the kids favorite historical fiction selections this year. The struggles of a little boy to be a good leader in the absence of his father and amidst political turmoil were definitely an intriguing story. I think they identified with him in many ways as a child trying hard to do what is right and to be kind to those who treat you poorly. I enjoyed the richness of the story and loved that the children begged me to read more but it seemed long winded sometimes. Despite that we enjoyed this book thoroughly.
Engaging fictionarlized tale of young Richard, Duke of Normandy, also known as the great-grandfather of William the Conqueror, who assumes the throne as a child on the death of his father.
He learns what it is to be a duke, meaning he learns to be chivalrous, to defend the weak and control his temper, to take his responsibilities seriously, to be devout and dutiful. And if that sounds boring, that's because we haven't learned that the ultimate adventure is learning to conquer self.
My kids loved it.
Classic nineteenth century story of Richard the Fearless, ancestor of William the Conqueror and son of Duke William Longsword (not of William the Conqueror as the blurb inaccurately says). Longsword is treacherous slain while Richard is only 8 years old, but he survives and eventually regains his ducal rights. I liked the story very much as a child but do not remember details now.
This book got a five star rating from two of my children and 4.5 from my third child.

We spread this book out over a year and it does get easier. Keep going and don’t give up 🙂.
with illustrations and notes; old, fragile copy

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Author Information

Picture of author.
201+ Works 3,778 Members

Some Editions

Castellon, Federico (Illustrator)
Curtis, Dora (Illustrator)
De Angeli, Marguerite (Illustrator)
Lawson, George (Illustrator)
Naidoo, Beverley (Introduction)
O'Sullivan, Tom (Illustrator)
Thorn, David (Narrator)
Webb, Archibald (Illustrator)

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Common Knowledge

Canonical title
The Little Duke; or Richard the Fearless
Original title
The little Duke, or Richard the fearless
Original publication date
1854
People/Characters
Richard I, Duke of Normandy
Important places*
Normandie
First words*
An einem schönen Herbsttage des Jahres 943 war im Schloss zu Bayeux in der Normandie ein reges Leben.
Last words*
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Dieses kleine Buch erzählt nur die Abenteuer und Gefahren seiner Kindheit, aber sein Mannesalter war eben so reich an merkwürdigen Ereignissen, in denen er sich immer tapfer, fromm und mild erwies, wie in der älteren Geschichte Frankreichs des Weiteren zu lesen ist.
Original language*
Englisch
*Some information comes from Common Knowledge in other languages. Click "Edit" for more information.

Classifications

Genre
Fiction and Literature
DDC/MDS
813Literature & rhetoricAmerican literature in EnglishAmerican fiction in English
LCC
PZ7 .Y8 .LLanguage and LiteratureFiction and juvenile belles lettresFiction and juvenile belles lettresJuvenile belles lettres
BISAC

Statistics

Members
1,091
Popularity
23,387
Reviews
6
Rating
(3.91)
Languages
English, Finnish, French, German
Media
Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
ISBNs
60
ASINs
32