TITLE: Son of a Hundred Kings: A Novel of the Nineties

Author: Thomas B. Costain
Publisher: Doubleday & Company, Inc.
Published Year: 1950
Genre: Historical Fiction, Canada
Language: English
Total Pages: 493
Format: PDF

DESCRIPTION:
Son of a Hundred Kings: A Novel of the Nineties is a richly detailed historical novel set in Balfour, Ontario during the 1890s. The story begins with six-year-old Ludar Prentice arriving from England with only a sewn-on square of oil-cloth on his coat, instructing: “BE KIND TO HIM.” Sent to join a father he has never met, in a town unfamiliar with his family, Ludar finds himself taken in by kind strangers who provide him a home.

The novel follows Ludar’s journey into adulthood as he seeks to discover his identity, interwoven with the growth, struggles, and transformations of the town of Balfour as it enters the new century. Costain masterfully blends personal drama, local color, and historical context to create a vivid tapestry of life in Canada at the turn of the century. The book captures the essence of community, perseverance, and the human desire to belong, making it a compelling read for fans of historical fiction.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Thomas Bertram Costain (1885–1965) was a Canadian journalist and bestselling author renowned for his historical novels. Beginning his fiction career later in life, Costain became widely recognized for his meticulous research and ability to bring historical events to life. His works often blend fact and fiction seamlessly, giving readers a vivid sense of history while telling engaging stories. Among his most celebrated novels are The Black Rose and The White and The Gold, which have inspired generations of readers with their rich detail and compelling characters.