The Great Roxhythe. Illustrated

Georgette Heyer

• Publisher: Andrii Ponomarenko
• Year: 2025
• eBook ISBN: 9786178622190
• Subtopic: Women Authors Literary Collections

The Great Roxhythe is one of Georgette Heyer's earliest historical novels, first published in 1923 when she was just twenty years old. Set during the reign of King Charles II, this richly detailed novel follows the enigmatic and charismatic Sir Christopher Roxhythe—a secret agent utterly devoted to his king. With unwavering loyalty and a mysterious past, Roxhythe operates in the shadows of Restoration politics, undertaking dangerous missions and navigating courtly intrigue with intellect and charm. Told largely through the eyes of Roxhythe's young secretary, Martyn, the novel becomes not only a story of espionage and political maneuvering but also an intimate character study. Martyn's admiration for his master slowly evolves into deep concern as he witnesses Roxhythe's idealism and personal sacrifices, leading to poignant reflections on the price of unwavering devotion. Heyer's language in The Great Roxhythe is elaborate and period-authentic, evoking the 17th century with grace and precision. Unlike her later, more light-hearted Regency romances, this novel is serious in tone and grand in scope—exploring themes of honor, loyalty, loneliness, and political disillusionment. Although less known than her later works, The Great Roxhythe reveals Heyer's early literary ambition and historical insight. It is a thoughtful and emotionally rich novel for readers drawn to the complexities of human motivation, the tragedies of blind allegiance, and the elegance of a bygone era. A rare gem in Heyer's body of work, The Great Roxhythe stands as a testament to her passion for history and her ability to craft deeply human stories within it.

Table of contents

• BOOK I
• BOOK II THE WAYS DIVERGE
• BOOK III QUO VADIS?
• BOOK IV THE ONE PART
• BOOK V THE OTHER PART