The Manxman A Novel - 1895

"The Manxman" by Hall Caine is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the lives of several characters, including a stern father named Old Deemster Christian, his two sons—impetuous Thomas and the physically misshapen Peter—and a young woman named Mona. As the narrative unfolds, themes of family conflict, societal expectations, and the impact of love and honor come to the forefront, highlighting how the characters navigate their intertwined fates. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Old Deemster Christian, known for his hard demeanor and expectations for his sons. The dynamic within the Christian family is explored, particularly the relationship between the strong-willed Thomas and his father, whose iron grip on his household leads to tension and eventual disinheritance. Peter, characterized by his physical limitations and bitterness, contrasts sharply with his brother. Meanwhile, the mention of Mona Crellin hints at a romantic subplot and the repercussions of love across differing social classes. The foundation for a gripping tale involving noble aspirations, romantic entanglements, and familial strife is effectively set, inviting readers to delve deeper into the lives of these characters. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sir Thomas Henry Hall Caine, usually known as Hall Caine, was a British novelist, dramatist, short story writer, poet and critic of the late 19th and early 20th century. Caine's popularity during his lifetime was unprecedented. He wrote 15 novels on subjects of adultery, divorce, domestic violence, illegitimacy, infanticide, religious bigotry and women's rights, became an international literary celebrity, and sold a total of ten million books. Caine was the most highly paid novelist of his day. The Eternal City is the first novel to have sold over a million copies worldwide. In addition to his books, Caine is the author of more than a dozen plays and was one of the most commercially successful dramatists of his time; many were West End and Broadway productions. Caine adapted seven of his novels for the stage. He collaborated with leading actors and managers, including Wilson Barrett, Viola Allen, Herbert Beerbohm Tree, Louis Napoleon Parker, Mrs Patrick Campbell, George Alexander, and Arthur Collins. Most of Caine's novels were adapted into silent black and white films. A. E. Coleby's 1923 18,454 feet, nineteen-reel film The Prodigal Son became the longest commercially made British film. Alfred Hitchcock's 1929 film The Manxman, is Hitchcock's last silent film.