Master Skylark By: John Bennett
Master Skylark by John Bennett is a captivating historical fiction novel set in Elizabethan England. Set against the backdrop of the threat of the Spanish Armada, the story follows the adventures of a young boy named Nat who becomes the stage boy for William Shakespeare’s theater troupe. From the very beginning, the author's vivid and descriptive writing style transports readers to the bustling streets of London during the 16th century. The attention to detail in the city's architecture, the clothing, and the customs of the time period truly bring the setting to life. One of the book's greatest strengths is its well-developed characters. Nat, the protagonist, is a likable and relatable young boy whose dreams of being on stage are brought to life through the pages. As he navigates the challenges of working with the theater troupe, readers witness his growth, resilience, and determination. The supporting characters, such as the witty and talented Shakespeare and the kind-hearted stage manager Burbage, add depth and complexity to the story. The plot is fast-paced and filled with suspense, as Nat finds himself caught up in his own adventure when the queen's prized falcon, Master Skylark, goes missing. The search for the falcon becomes intertwined with the broader conflict between England and Spain, which gives the story an added layer of tension and excitement. Bennett's extensive historical research is evident throughout the novel. The inclusion of real events and figures from the Elizabethan era, such as Queen Elizabeth I and the rivalry between England and Spain, adds authenticity and depth to the story. The author seamlessly weaves historical facts into the narrative, making the reader feel immersed in the time period. Master Skylark is a captivating and well-crafted novel that will appeal to both young and adult readers alike. With its engaging storyline, well-drawn characters, and historical accuracy, it provides a wonderful glimpse into the vibrant world of Elizabethan England. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or simply looking for a compelling adventure, this book is bound to entertain and educate. First Page: MASTER SKYLARK A Story of Shakspere's Time BY JOHN BENNETT ILLUSTRATIONS BY REGINALD B. BIRCH 1897 [Illustration: "'MASTER SKYLARK, THOU SHALT HAVE THY WISH,' SAID QUEEN ELIZABETH."] ALL THAT NICHOLAS ATTWOOD'S MOTHER WAS TO HIM, AND MORE, MY OWN MOTHER HAS BEEN TO ME AND TO HER HERE I INSCRIBE THIS BOOK WITH A NEVER FAILING LOVE CONTENTS CHAPTER I THE LORD ADMIRAL'S PLAYERS II NICHOLAS ATTWOOD'S HOME III THE LAST STRAW IV OFF FOR COVENTRY V IN THE WARWICK ROAD VI THE MASTER PLAYER VII "WELL SUNG, MASTER SKYLARK!" VIII THE ADMIRAL'S COMPANY IX THE MAY DAY PLAY X AFTER THE PLAY XI DISOWNED XII A STRANGE RIDE XIII A DASH FOR FREEDOM XIV AT BAY XV LONDON TOWN XVI MA'M'SELLE CICELY CAREW XVII CAREW'S OFFER XVIII MASTER HEYWOOD PROTESTS XIX THE ROSE PLAY HOUSE XX DISAPPOINTMENT XXI "THE CHILDREN OF PAUL'S" XXII THE SKYLARK'S SONG XXIII A NEW LIFE XXIV THE MAKING OF A PLAYER XXV THE WANING OF THE YEAR XXVI TO SING BEFORE THE QUEEN XXVII THE QUEEN'S PLAISANCE XXVIII CHRISTMAS WITH QUEEN BESS XXIX BACK TO GASTON CAREW XXX AT THE FALCON INN XXXI IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE XXXII THE LAST OF GASTON CAREW XXXIII CICELY DISAPPEARS XXXIV THE BANDY LEGGED MAN XXXV A SUDDEN RESOLVE XXXVI WAYFARING HOME XXXVII TURNED ADRIFT XXXVIII A STRANGE DAY XXXIX ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS "MASTER SKYLARK, THOU SHALT HAVE THY WISH," SAID QUEEN ELIZABETH THE LORD ADMIRAL'S PLAYERS... Continue reading book >>

Master Skylark By: John Bennett

Master Skylark by John Bennett is a captivating historical fiction novel set in Elizabethan England. Set against the backdrop of the threat of the Spanish Armada, the story follows the adventures of a young boy named Nat who becomes the stage boy for William Shakespeare’s theater troupe.

From the very beginning, the author's vivid and descriptive writing style transports readers to the bustling streets of London during the 16th century. The attention to detail in the city's architecture, the clothing, and the customs of the time period truly bring the setting to life.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its well-developed characters. Nat, the protagonist, is a likable and relatable young boy whose dreams of being on stage are brought to life through the pages. As he navigates the challenges of working with the theater troupe, readers witness his growth, resilience, and determination. The supporting characters, such as the witty and talented Shakespeare and the kind-hearted stage manager Burbage, add depth and complexity to the story.

The plot is fast-paced and filled with suspense, as Nat finds himself caught up in his own adventure when the queen's prized falcon, Master Skylark, goes missing. The search for the falcon becomes intertwined with the broader conflict between England and Spain, which gives the story an added layer of tension and excitement.

Bennett's extensive historical research is evident throughout the novel. The inclusion of real events and figures from the Elizabethan era, such as Queen Elizabeth I and the rivalry between England and Spain, adds authenticity and depth to the story. The author seamlessly weaves historical facts into the narrative, making the reader feel immersed in the time period.

Master Skylark is a captivating and well-crafted novel that will appeal to both young and adult readers alike. With its engaging storyline, well-drawn characters, and historical accuracy, it provides a wonderful glimpse into the vibrant world of Elizabethan England. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or simply looking for a compelling adventure, this book is bound to entertain and educate.

First Page:

MASTER SKYLARK

A Story of Shakspere's Time

JOHN BENNETT

ILLUSTRATIONS BY REGINALD B. BIRCH

1897

[Illustration: "'MASTER SKYLARK, THOU SHALT HAVE THY WISH,' SAID QUEEN ELIZABETH."]

ALL THAT NICHOLAS ATTWOOD'S MOTHER WAS TO HIM, AND MORE, MY OWN MOTHER HAS BEEN TO ME AND TO HER HERE I INSCRIBE THIS BOOK WITH A NEVER FAILING LOVE

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

I THE LORD ADMIRAL'S PLAYERS II NICHOLAS ATTWOOD'S HOME III THE LAST STRAW IV OFF FOR COVENTRY V IN THE WARWICK ROAD VI THE MASTER PLAYER VII "WELL SUNG, MASTER SKYLARK!" VIII THE ADMIRAL'S COMPANY IX THE MAY DAY PLAY X AFTER THE PLAY XI DISOWNED XII A STRANGE RIDE XIII A DASH FOR FREEDOM XIV AT BAY XV LONDON TOWN XVI MA'M'SELLE CICELY CAREW XVII CAREW'S OFFER XVIII MASTER HEYWOOD PROTESTS XIX THE ROSE PLAY HOUSE XX DISAPPOINTMENT XXI "THE CHILDREN OF PAUL'S" XXII THE SKYLARK'S SONG XXIII A NEW LIFE XXIV THE MAKING OF A PLAYER XXV THE WANING OF THE YEAR XXVI TO SING BEFORE THE QUEEN XXVII THE QUEEN'S PLAISANCE XXVIII CHRISTMAS WITH QUEEN BESS XXIX BACK TO GASTON CAREW XXX AT THE FALCON INN XXXI IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE XXXII THE LAST OF GASTON CAREW XXXIII CICELY DISAPPEARS XXXIV THE BANDY LEGGED MAN XXXV A SUDDEN RESOLVE XXXVI WAYFARING HOME XXXVII TURNED ADRIFT XXXVIII A STRANGE DAY XXXIX ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

"MASTER SKYLARK, THOU SHALT HAVE THY WISH," SAID QUEEN ELIZABETH

THE LORD ADMIRAL'S PLAYERS... Continue reading book >>

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