Two of Red and Two of Blue: The Story of a Page and a Prince

by Marjorie Phillips

Historical fiction set in the Renaissance

221 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1955

Reviews

[Annmarie Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as a kid and i loved it, i remeber rereading it alot and everytime getting excited at the plot twists, would like to find it again.

[grosbeak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solidly mid boys’ adventure story. Probably the kind of thing that Tamora Pierce read a lot of as a child—but in this case the Alanna books are a marked inprovement in the feisty redheaded page line!

[CLM · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is historical fiction in the tradition of Geoffrey Trease, set in a Ruritanian country during the Renaissance. Fourteen year old James D'Albi is an impudent but likeable page, who can win at archery, tilting, and wrestling, gain praise (and a much appreciated purse) from Lord Edward for his prowess, but cannot go a day without infuriating everyone from Master Jack, who supervises the gentlemen-pages, to James' impoverished older brothers, Simon, Hal and Robert:

"Are you such a determined evildoer, then?"
"In general, only a victim of circumstance, sir," James replies.

By chance, James overhears news of a plot against the King, and a mysterious password: "Two of red and two of blue!" As long as he can remember he and his family have lived in exile, under the auspices of the Duke of Ulnick-Fienza (having chosen the wrong side in the last uprising) and he knows little of the usurper king. Although James didn't hear details of the conspiracy, he is smuggled away by Prince Richard of Alstafornia to protect all involved. James is delighted to escape from his duties and experience real adventures, although some are more painful than he anticipated. His new life is exciting and lacks only a friend - eventually, loud, boastful but essentially goodhearted James meets a prince his own age, gentle Philip who has only one arm but possesses all the education and graces James lacks. The friendship that the boys come to share transcends their differences and leads to the ultimate goal - a new monarch.

I can't remember who recommended this to me but it finally turned up via ILL from Tulsa, Oklahoma! I am grateful to the libraries that share their rare books so generously.

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this fun, spirited, adventure tale. The hero is both amusing and brave and, despite reading the book countless times over a 30 year period, I always return to it for a highly enjoyable quick read. I bought the book at a fete in South Africa for a couple of rand (10p) as a child and what a good investment!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

reread on 26 October 2012