The action begins in 1842, when Sir Richard Calmady, son of the wealthy Calmady family, is born with a severe physical disability – he has no lower legs, with his feet positioned where his knees should be. Born posthumously after his father died from a horseback riding accident that required amputation at the knees, Richard’s condition is linked both to maternal impression (a Victorian belief that a mother’s experiences during pregnancy could affect the child) and to an ancient family curse dating back to the 17th century.
The novel traces Richard’s psychological and emotional journey from childhood through adulthood as he struggles with profound self-hatred, shame about his disability, and the challenge of finding his place in society.
Despite his physical limitations and the intense emotional burden they cause, Richard is heir to the beautiful Brockhurst estate and considerable wealth.
Richard’s relationships with women form the core of the narrative. His devoted mother Katherine is deeply spiritual and protective. He becomes entangled with his manipulative, narcissistic cousin Helen de Vallorbes, a sexually voracious ‘female dandy’ whose affair with him leads to his moral degradation. After hitting rock bottom – including a shocking scene of sexual debauchery witnessed by his mother – Richard slowly begins a journey toward redemption and self-acceptance.
Ultimately, Richard marries his cousin Honoria St. Quentin, a remarkable ‘New Woman’ character who openly identifies as a lesbian, feminist, and socialist activist. In one memorable passage, she describes herself as ‘not what you call a marrying man.’ Their marriage is one of companionship and mutual respect rather than romantic or sexual passion. Through this relationship and his spiritual journey (including conversion to Catholicism), Richard moves toward acceptance of himself and his place in the world.
The novel explores themes of disability, sexuality, class, religion, family legacy, and the search for meaning and redemption.
Set primarily in the English countryside with a significant section in Naples, Italy, the book features lush descriptive passages and complex psychological portraits of its characters.
The novel traces Richard’s psychological and emotional journey from childhood through adulthood as he struggles with profound self-hatred, shame about his disability, and the challenge of finding his place in society.
Despite his physical limitations and the intense emotional burden they cause, Richard is heir to the beautiful Brockhurst estate and considerable wealth.
Richard’s relationships with women form the core of the narrative. His devoted mother Katherine is deeply spiritual and protective. He becomes entangled with his manipulative, narcissistic cousin Helen de Vallorbes, a sexually voracious ‘female dandy’ whose affair with him leads to his moral degradation. After hitting rock bottom – including a shocking scene of sexual debauchery witnessed by his mother – Richard slowly begins a journey toward redemption and self-acceptance.
Ultimately, Richard marries his cousin Honoria St. Quentin, a remarkable ‘New Woman’ character who openly identifies as a lesbian, feminist, and socialist activist. In one memorable passage, she describes herself as ‘not what you call a marrying man.’ Their marriage is one of companionship and mutual respect rather than romantic or sexual passion. Through this relationship and his spiritual journey (including conversion to Catholicism), Richard moves toward acceptance of himself and his place in the world.
The novel explores themes of disability, sexuality, class, religion, family legacy, and the search for meaning and redemption.
Set primarily in the English countryside with a significant section in Naples, Italy, the book features lush descriptive passages and complex psychological portraits of its characters.
Details
| Title: The History Of Sir Richard Calmady |
| Author: Lucas Malet |
| ISBN: |
| Subtitle: |
| Genre: Fiction; Grier Rated; Historical Fiction; Religion & Spirituality; Romance; Vintage |
| Subject(s): |
| Publication Date: 1901 |
| Original Publication Date: |
| Publisher: Methuen & Co. |
| Language: English |
| Format: Hardcover |
| Pages: 618 |
| Rating: Good |
| Notes: German Publisher: B. Tauchnitz, Leipzig, 1901 (published simultaneously in 3 volumes as part of the Tauchnitz Collection of British Authors, volumes 3538-3540) |
| Book_ID: 102500 |