Micah Clarke: His Statement as made to his three grandchildren Joseph, Gervas and Reuben During the Hard Winter of 1734

by Arthur Conan Doyle

It may be, my dear grandchildren, that at one time or another I have told you nearly all the incidents which have occurred during my adventurous life. To your father and to your mother, at least, I know that none of them are unfamiliar.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Classics, British Literature, Fiction, War, Adventure, Novels

450 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1889

About the author

Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle was a Scottish writer and physician. He created the character Sherlock Holmes in 1887 for A Study in Scarlet, the first of four novels and fifty-six short stories about Holmes and Dr. Watson. The Sherlock Holmes stories are milestones in the field of crime fiction.

Doyle was a prolific writer. In addition to the Holmes stories, his works include fantasy and science fiction stories about Professor Challenger, and humorous stories about the Napoleonic soldier Brigadier Gerard, as well as plays, romances, poetry, non-fiction, and historical novels. One of Doyle's early short stories, "J. Habakuk Jephson's Statement" (1884), helped to popularise the mystery of the brigantine Mary Celeste, found drifting at sea with no crew member aboard.

Reviews

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 3 out of 5]

May 22, 1130am ~~ I discovered Arthur Conan Doyle's historical novels a few years ago when I read The White Company and then its prequel Sir Nigel. Ever since then I have had a list of Doyle titles waiting for me.

Doyle was born in the month of May so I chose him as my Literary Birthday author, thinking it would be a good way to finally get started on that list, so here we are.

Micah Clarke was published in 1889 so seems to have been the first of his historical novels. The story deals with England's Monmouth Rebellion of 1685. Must admit, this was an event I knew absolutely nothing about and during the first few chapters, while Doyle set the stage for his tale, I was more than a little confused about the religious aspect of life at the time as well as who was who in the political field. But I soon got straightened out enough to understand what was going on.

MIcah himself tells the story, as you can tell from the subtitle. He is sharing his memories with his grandchildren:
It may be, my dear grandchildren, that at one time or another I have told you nearly all the incidents which have occurred during my adventurous life. To your father and to your mother, at least, I know that none of them are unfamiliar. Yet when I consider that time wears on, and that a grey head is apt to contain a failing memory, I am prompted to use these long winter evenings in putting it all before you from the beginning, that you may have it as one clear story in your minds, and pass it on as such to those who come after you.

Now maybe this format was the reason I could never quite get myself attached to Micah, I do not know. The most interesting character for me was the soldier of fortune Decimus Saxon, who became the leader of the men leaving Micah's village to fight for Monmouth. I also was tickled by Sir Gervas Jerome, a minor nobleman who joined the group on the way to the fight. He was on the run from his creditors, and he was bored with life, seeking adventure for the mere sensation of feeling something. He was a light-hearted man who truly did not seem to care whether he lived or died, as long as he looked decent.
In this bag, too, I retain the means for preserving that niceness and elegance of person which made me, though I say it, as well groomed a man as ever set foot in St. James’s Park. Here are French scissors, eyebrow brush, toothpick case, patch-box, powder-bag, comb, puff, and my pair of red-heeled shoes. What could a man wish for more?

Indeed. At first I thought he would be a drag on the group (so did Micah) but he proved himself more than once and by the end of the book I adored the man almost as much as I adored Saxon.

Micah is sent to fight because his father was too old to go. He had been a Roundhead with Cromwell's army, and still believed that his religion was the Only One. So Micah agrees to go represent the family honor. He has many adventures in the short time of the rebellion, but as I said, he never seemed real to me. Not even when he would break in on the narrative to remind his grandchildren that he had lived the story:
And if what I tell you should ever chance to differ from what you have read in the book of Mr. Coke or of Mr. Oldmixon, or of any one else who has set these matters down in print, do ye bear in mind that I am telling of what I saw with these very eyes, and that I have helped to make history, which is a higher thing than to write it.

I liked the story but I did not feel that urge to Read Read Read the way I had with the previous Doyle historical novels I had finished. I have been a little distracted during my computer time this last few weeks, and it was easier than I expected to switch to other diversions, which is why it took me so long to finish the book.

One of the things that leaped out at me from these pages is that organized religion was once again responsible for death and bloodshed. Even Micah's parents, while both Protestant, were of different mindsets.

Father:
The old Puritan soldier held that the bible alone contained all things essential to salvation, and that though it might be advisable that those who were gifted with wisdom or eloquence should expound the Scriptures to their brethren, it was by no means necessary, but rather hurtful and degrading, that any organised body of ministers or of bishops should claim special prerogatives, or take the place of mediators between the creature and the Creator.

Mother:
My mother, on the other hand, held that the very essence of a church was that it should have a hierarchy and a graduated government within itself, with the king at the apex, the archbishops beneath him, the bishops under their control, and so down through the ministry to the common folk. Such was, in her opinion, the Church as established in the beginning, and no religion without these characteristics could lay any claim to being the true one.

But of course they both hated the Roman Catholic faith. As did all the men who joined Monmouth's cause. No such thing as tolerance in those days. Not much of it in ours either, when you get right down to brass tacks, though. We may have made a little progress but overall there is still the distrust and hatred of anything considered Other. Shameful isn't it. You would think that after all these years Man would understand Life better, but it does not seem to be so.

Well, anyway, back to the book. I did not think it was as powerful or as entertaining a book as I expected it to be, but I can definitely say that I am much more familiar with the Monmouth Rebellion than I was before.

There are six titles left on my Doyle list so I will be looking for more adventure Someday.

[Robert B. B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A delightful tale by Conan Doyle that highlights a long-forgotten chapter of British history, Lord Monmouth's unsuccessful rising against James II. As anyone familiar with the Holmes canon can understand, the story-telling more than makes up for the someone stilted dialogue. Surprisingly entertaining -- and worth a look by Sherlock Holmes' aficianados.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

8 JUL 2020 -a recommendation through Laura. Thank you.

Free download here - Project Gutenberg - http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/9504

This is also a great listen-to at BBC - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00...

13 JULY 2020 - a really good listen-to for a week-end. Thank you, Laura.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Free download available at Project Gutenberg.

From BBC radio 4 Extra:
Episode 1 of 5

In 1685 England is once again threatened by Civil War as rumours fly that the Protestant Duke of Monmouth will land any day and try by whatever means possible to usurp the throne of his Catholic uncle, James II.

Innocent of these turbulent times, young Micah Clarke and his friend, Reuben, go fishing off Spithead and find themselves drawn into the very centre of a conflict that is to tear the country apart.

Episode 2 of 5:
Following a dramatic encounter with Colonel Decimus Saxon, Micah and Reuben are drawn into the Civil War between the Protestant usurper the Duke of Monmouth and the Catholic King James II.

They must set off on the dangerous journey to join the Duke and his forces at Taunton.

Episode 3 of 5:
Having set off on the dangerous ride to Taunton to join Monmouth's rebel forces, Micah and his friend Reuben have had many extraordinary encounters.

First with Sir Jacob Clancing who sends an enigmatic and ominous message to the Duke; then with the deceptively foppish Sir Gervas who joins their cause; and then with Mayor Timewell whose pretty daughter catches Reuben's eye. Finally they come face to face with the great Monmouth himself.

Episode 4 of 5
Micah twice narrowly escaped death.

Firstly at the hands of smugglers on his ride to Badminton to enlist the Duke of Beaufort to Monmouth's cause; and secondly at the hands of the choleric Duke himself!

But by strange circumstances, he found himself freed to rejoin the Duke's army and march on the cathedral city of Wells - with a heart heavy with foreboding.

Episode 5 of 5:
Thanks to the treachery of their guide and the eventual flight of their leader, the Duke of Monmouth's forces were routed at Sedgemoor.

Sir Gervas slain, Reuben wounded and captive, Micah left the field and turned his horse's head away from the west.

Starring Martyn Read, Patrick Troughton and James Bryce.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's historical novel dramatised in five parts by Constance Cox.

Micah Clarke ...... Martyn Read
Decimus Saxon ...... Patrick Troughton
Reuben Lockarby ...... James Bryce
Joseph Clarke ...... Lockwood West
Mrs Clarke ...... Gwen Cherrell
Zachary Palmer ...... John Webb
Major Ogilvy ...... Gregory de Polnay
Cornet Horsford ...... Christopher Douglas
Man ...... Colin Starkey
Rider ...... Robin Summers

Director: David Johnston

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1985.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00...

[Christopher Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of a young man who joins in an attempt to depose king James II of England with his half brother the Duke of Monmouth. Known as the Monmouth rebellion, it was essentially a religious struggle more than political as James was trying to turn England into a Roman Catholic nation and the people involved preferred religious liberty in the 17th century.

Micah is a very honorable, upright young man who runs into a wide variety of characters and types, such as the rogueish but likable Octavius Saxon who is a great leader and experienced mercenary. The book is filled with details about the times, locations in England, and information in the time written in a very entertaining and easy to read style.

Particularly appreciated are the discussions of politics and theology which sound like they'd be terribly dull but are actually interesting and well delivered, particularly as everyone makes good points and has strong arguments.

I docked this one star only because its so romantic and stylized, as if it was written more for children -- indeed, the story is narrated to grandchildren by old Micah. That is not to say it doesn't have some grit and dark themes, only that they are softened and shaped by a more simple form.

[Dayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I loved Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes books but I find his stories of battles and the lives of those who fought them set in the 17th and 18th centuries of England absolutely fascinating. His attention to detail and the research required are amazing. Doyle must have loved this work for his son tells that these are his favorite stories.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arthur Conan Doyle’s historical novels have such an ambivalent attitude towards war that I cannot make up my mind whether the negative images of war in Conan Doyle’s books is a deliberate choice, or something that he unconsciously includes in his work.

Tales of the Ring and Camp combined sport stories with war stories as if to imply that war is just a sport. The Sir Nigel books promote war as a field of gallantry and courage, and yet they include images of devastation in France that seem to undermine Conan Doyle’s seeming militarism.

Then there are the Brigadier Gerard stories, where bravado is one step from bragging, and courage is closely aligned to stupidity. The irony of the stories and the futility of Gerard’s courageous endeavours in the interests of a doomed leader seem to hint at the futility of war in general, but it is uncertain if Conan Doyle intends us to go this far.

What makes Micah Clarke interesting is that the story seems to be consciously offering up a message against war and the religious bigotry that often inspires it. No wonder it is the best of Conan Doyle’s historical novels.

The action is set against the Duke of Monmouth’s attempt to wrest the crown from King James II. James was unpopular due to his avowed Catholicism. Monmouth, an illegitimate son of Charles II, made a spurious attempt to claim that his father had married his mother, and he was the true heir. Many Protestants were only too ready to believe him if it meant getting rid of James.

Alas for Monmouth, not enough. James was too new in his position to have made enough enemies. Three years later, James’ son-in-law William of Orange would achieve what Monmouth failed to do, but then he had a legitimate claim, his wife was James’s daughter, he was capable, and James had made more enemies by then.

I must admit to being vague about what James did to offend the Protestants. He did not try to persecute them and make Catholicism the main religion of Britain. Did he seriously play the tyrant, or was his fault only that he did not do enough to placate the bigoted Protestants?

Micah Clarke is the son of a Puritan father and a Protestant mother. He is not especially political or pious, but when he hears of Monmouth’s rebellion, he is persuaded by a spirit of adventure to join the rebels, accompanied by his friend, Reuben Lockarby. Naturally this proves to be a dangerous business and will nearly cost both boys their lives.

Of interest are the companions who join Micah and Reuben. Sir Gervas Jerome is a penniless noble who joins for the fun of it and perhaps in hope of financial favours, a likeable but suitably disreputable ally.

Then there is the mercenary Decimus Saxon. He is a charming rogue, but utterly unscrupulous, and quite ready to kill, rob and spoil for his own benefit. Saxon exposes the darker underbelly of war – whatever the hot air espoused by the leaders, war is essentially about people seeking what is good for them.

Saxon’s other intriguing quality is his attitude towards religion, which is essentially the same, but in a more cynical way, as Micah’s. Micah holds a surprisingly liberal opinion, even by the standards of Conan Doyle’s time. He thinks that all religions have some merit in them. While he speaks contemptuously of James, he meets Catholics that he likes.

Saxon goes further. When in a Muslim country, he converted to Islam for his own self-preservation. Now he has adopted a rigid Protestant faith because he believes that fanatics have a better chance of winning a war than moderates.

Fanaticism is the order of the day here, and it leads to some ugly scenes. A Catholic church is attacked and looted by narrow-minded zealots. Yet these are the people with whom Micah sides.

However the religious fanatics are essentially being manipulated by unworthy leaders. Monmouth is portrayed as weak and vacillating, lacking in any faith in the success of his cause. That might be understandable since he receives no great level of support. However he lacks any military acumen, and will eventually betray his own side in a vain attempt to save his skin.

We do not see King James, but his representative Judge Jeffries is the most vile figure in the book. He inflicts brutal punishments on the rebels, and would happily have hanged many more if he had his way. A dissolute man who has squandered his youthful good looks, Jeffries gloats at his victims, and looks for more arrests and hangings and deaths to sate his misanthropic sadism.

By the end, even Micah is tired of war, and speaks out movingly against it:

Oh, war, my children, what a terrible thing it is! How are men cozened and cheated by the rare trappings and prancing steeds, by the empty terms of honour and of glory, until they forget in the outward tinsel and show the real ghastly horror of the accursed thing! Think not of the dazzling squadrons, nor of the spirit-stirring blare of the trumpets… I can clearly see that, in honesty, men must either give up war, or else they must confess that the words of the Redeemer are too lofty for them, and that there is no longer any use in pretending that His teaching can be reduced to practice. I have seen a Christian minister blessing a cannon which had just been founded, and another blessing a war-ship as it glided from the slips. They, the so-called representatives of Christ, blessed these engines of destruction which cruel man has devised to destroy and tear his fellow-worms. What would we say if we read in Holy Writ of our Lord having blessed the battering-rams and the catapults of the legions? Would we think that it was in agreement with His teaching? But there! As long as the heads of the Church wander away so far from the spirit of its teaching as to live in palaces and drive in carriages, what wonder if, with such examples before them, the lower clergy overstep at times the lines laid down by their great Master?

It is passages like this which make Micah Clarke one of the great Arthur Conan Doyle books. Whatever Conan Doyle’s wider opinions about war, he has here written one of the great unsung anti-war novels.

[Robert Hepple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Micah Clarke, first published in 1889, is a swashbuckling adventure set against a background of the Monmouth rebellion of 1685, culminating in the Battle of Sedgemoor. The story is told through the first person recollections of Micah Clarke, a Puritan. The swashbuckling style means that many larger than life colourful characters gallivant around the place starting every sentence with 'Zounds!' or 'Gadzooks' - this worked very well for me in a fast moving - though long - adventure story set against a quite nasty period in English history. Amazing.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating historical fiction that brings you sympathetically into the Monmouth Rebellion. Doyle, better know for Sherlock Holmes, treats the Puritans kindly, which is rare enough. As an American (a country founded by the ancestors of those earlier rebels) this was an enjoyable introduction to the period.

[Larry · Rating 2 out of 5]

This started with such promise, as a fan of this great writer I was looking forward to trying his non-Sherlock stories. To make the "Monmouth Rebellion" a background is a head-scratcher. In spite of the author interjecting a few times that all religion should be respected-: Why choose a fanatical fundamentalist religious group, the puritans as insurgents led mainly by preachers (a fundamentalism that is responsible for the current situation in the USA where tolerance is as scarce as chicken teeth) who respect no other religion and still don't to this day? We are supposed to have empathy with all the main characters who carry this banner??? This story starts with such promise that one feels its going to be a fun romp and then 200 pages later one must endure page after page of preaching, hymns, dialogue and sermons against The Established Church (Church of England) Catholicism, and a broad side swipe at Judaism (cause of all financial problems), the fun quickly dissipates. The Puritans were (and continue to be in their new 21st century guise) a soulless excuse for Christian extremism and as this story shows it giving no quarter to its countless enemies, in a rebellion that had no real basis. A few years after this story concludes - James is finally defeated at the Boyne and the Loyal Orange Order is established primarily in Ulster.....and we all know their history to this day. What a sad period of history when the author had so many options for what could have been a great adventure without the fundamentalism.

[Dennis]

A good read. The last of Sir Arthur's fiction for me; I've read them all now. One of my favorites of his historical novels. Didn't like this one as well as his Brigadier Gerard short stories, but then I think all of his short stories surpass his novels. I know he didn't want to be remembered as the author of the Sherlock Holmes stories, but damn, they are his best! Maybe because he wasn't trying so hard.

[Sitatunga]

Annoyed to find this was just an abridged version - complained to Amazon, no response
Still, it saved me time reading this rather shallow children's book
Why did I read it?
Curiosity - because, an donly because, Peter Hitchens uses the title as his Twitter handle

[Matt Kelland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the references to many of the West Country places I have lived.

[J Grimsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good adventure story. An unusual and interesting story about a time not often told. Enjoyable.

[Rog Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a big fan of the author when I was at school so I probably read this in 1966.

[Cobb K · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an adventure story that reminded me very much of The Hobbit. The characters tag together into almost a roleplaying group and then travel thru England during a tense moment of civil religious uprising. I valued the look at manners of England during this time, mostly because I don't see too many depictions of warrior puritans, and the frequent quotations from Hudibras were an interesting embellishment, but for the most part I was bored and just trudging through this.

[Haneen A. Hijjawi]

This book is a bildungsroman whose protagonist, Micah Clarke, begins as a boy seeking adventure in a rather romantic and naive way, falls under the influence of an older and vastly experienced, world-weary soldier of fortune, and becomes a grown up after numerous experiences, some of them very harrowing. At the conclusion he must go into exile as a hunted outlaw, becomes a soldier of fortune himself and is launched on lifetime military career.

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very much NOT my stereotype of an Arthur Conan Doyle book! Still, very enjoyable, and insight from another angle on the days of King James, the Stuarts, and days leading up to William of Orange.

First published in 1889.
I read the electronic version.

[Simon Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely little story of a period of history I knew almost nothing about. Simply told, and with just enough earnest sentiment to pay homage to the great loss of which it tells without getting taken down with it.

[Robert Beringer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read as an ebook, it was surprisingly different from the Sherlock Holmes-type of prose he was known for. It is about a young man's participation in the failed attempt to overthrow the current king of England in the 18th century.

[Ange · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were interesting characters and scenes. Doyle promoted religious tolerance.

[K.]

heard this was good. reading on phone.

[Fred R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good historical fiction, although the jokes (e.g., a former sailor who only talks in sailing metaphors) are a little broad. The Monmouth rebellion is incredibly depressing.

[Arf Ortiyef · Rating 5 out of 5]

it's basically a masterpiece. it's got everything you could want: action, romance, humor, fun, thinking things. definitely read this.

[Meleah]

a peasant in 1600's England joins forces w/ his brother, the Puritans,etc to fight the King

[Sheena Macleod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating portrayal of events

For anyone interested in the Monmouth rebellion. Conan Doyle brings the characters and events alive. I appreciated the end notes.