The Wiles of the Wicked
Jul 2023 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
195
Pages
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About this ebook
Excerpt: "Wilford Heaton is not my real name, for why should I publish it to the world? The reason I do not give it is, first, because I have no desire to be made the object of idle curiosity or speculation, and secondly, although the explanation herein given will clear the honour of one of the most powerful of the Imperial Houses in Europe, I have no wish that my true name should be associated with it. I have, however, a reason for writing this narrative—a very strong reason. The story is an enthralling one; the adventures stranger, perhaps, than ever happened to any other living person. I have resolved to relate the plain unvarnished facts in their sequence, just as they occurred, without seeking to suppress or embellish, but to recount the strange adventures just as they are registered in the small leather portfolio, or secret dossier, which still, at this moment, reposes in the archives of a certain Ministry in one of the European capitals. There have recently been stories afloat—strange stories. At first I laughed at all the absurd rumours, but very quickly I saw how seriously distorted the real facts had become, for ingenious paragraphs of certain so-called Society papers, grasping the story eagerly, worked it up into a narrative which reflected very seriously upon the honour of one who is dearest in all the world to me. Well, my tale—or exposure—is written here. In order that those who read may clearly follow the curious chain of circumstances, it is necessary for me to go back some eight years or so—not a long period as far as time goes, but to me a veritable century. I was young, just turned twenty five. I was decently well-off, having come into an income of nearly a couple of thousand a year left me by my father, a sum which put me beyond the necessity of entering business, pursuing the daily grind, or troubling about the morrow. My career at Oxford had, I fear, been marked by a good many shortcomings and many youthful escapades, but I ended it by taking my degree of Bachelor of Medicine, shortly afterwards pursuing the fashionable habit of "going abroad." Within two years, however, I returned to London world-weary—like so many other young men who, being left comfortably off, commence to taste the enjoyment of life too early—and settled down in a suite of smoke-begrimed rooms in Essex Street, Strand."
About the author
William Le Queux (1864-1927) was a British author, journalist, and adventurer whose prolific output and sensational storytelling left an indelible mark on early 20th-century literature. Born in London to a French father and an English mother, Le Queux's cosmopolitan upbringing and insatiable curiosity fueled his writing career. His works often blurred the lines between fiction and reality, captivating readers with tales of espionage, international intrigue, and looming threats of war.Le Queux's most notable contribution to literature is his pioneering role in the spy novel genre. His vivid imagination and knack for weaving intricate plots predated and influenced the likes of John Buchan and Ian Fleming. His works, such as "The Great War in England in 1897" and "The Invasion of 1910," played on contemporary fears of foreign invasion, reflecting and shaping public sentiment during a time of geopolitical tension.A master of self-promotion, Le Queux often claimed to have inside knowledge of government secrets and espionage activities, a tactic that both intrigued and alarmed his readers. His controversial assertions and the sensational nature of his writing sometimes drew skepticism and criticism, but they also ensured his lasting popularity.Le Queux was not just a writer of fiction; he was also a fervent patriot and an early advocate for national preparedness. His works often carried a didactic tone, urging vigilance and readiness in the face of potential threats. This blend of entertainment and advocacy made his novels more than just thrilling reads; they were calls to action that resonated with a generation on the brink of global conflict.In an era where the boundaries between fact and fiction were increasingly porous, William Le Queux stood out as a figure who deftly navigated both realms, leaving a legacy that continues to influence the spy genre and the way we think about national security.
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