A Sea of Contumely
A Dr Webster Story
by Steve Ragnall
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Pub Date 28 Nov 2021 | Archive Date 18 Feb 2022
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Description
Dr John Webster (1610-1682), was a defrocked cleric, Schoolmaster, alchemist, astrologer, surgeon and writer. He is at once arrogant, worldly and with a wry sense of humour. Written mainly in the first person, this historical fiction is based on his life.
While living and working in Lancashire during the early days of the English Civil War, Webster finds a fraud, perpetrated by one of the governors, in the accounts of the Grammar School at which he is the Master. The fraudster, now knighted by King Charles, becomes a sworn enemy.
Webster’s household is chased from the town after the satanic murder of his black servant and, with his enemy serving with the Royalists, he is co-opted into the Parliamentary forces as a surgeon.
With larger than life characters, murder, intrigue & betrayal, Webster, accompanied by his housekeeper’s son and a Sergeant-at-Arms takes us into the little-known battles of Lancashire and the Fylde, the story reaching its climax at the Battle of Read Bridge in April 1643, a pivotal though little known action in the Civil War in Lancashire.
A Note From the Publisher
Marketing Plan
Historical fiction based on the real life of an almost forgotten figure of national importance.
Set in the 1640's, during the English Civil War, in Lancashire and Yorkshire.
Extensive historical research gives a realistic picture of the time, the places, the people, and the medical procedures of the day.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781800467002 |
| PRICE | US$6.99 (USD) |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
jean luc e, Librarian
A captivating and truculent fictional journey through the early hours of the Civil War in Lancashire recounted by John Webster, a defrocked cleric and schoolmaster, who tries to unmask the person responsible for siphoning off money from his school's treasury. But as he closes in on the supposed fraudster
the political situation, so volatile throughout the country in the early 1640's, threatens to dangerously get out of control....
A swashbuckling tale of murderous shenanigans, betrayals and martial violence set at the beginning of the civil conflict that engulfed England in the mid 17th century, A sea of contumely offers us a magnificent fictional tapestry of the early confrontational encounters between the Royalists and the Parliamentary forces in Northern England.
Cleverly plotted with lots of twists and turns, sparkling dialogues full of wry humor and blessed with a terrific cast of exquisitely drawn characters, this highly entertaining historical romp deserves to be discovered and enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever!
Many thanks to Matador and Netgalley for this fabulous ARC!
Beata B, Reviewer
*A big thank-you to Steve Ragnall, Matador, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
Based on Linconshire history of the 17th century, this book brings to life a little forgotten figure of John Webster, a man of many trades but of integrity. I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction, character-driven novel with its meticulously done research and author's imagination added. Enganing and intelligent!
