The Kings of the East: A Romance of the Near Future

"The Kings of the East: A Romance of the Near Future" by Sydney C. Grier is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story explores themes of ambition and cultural identity against a backdrop of geopolitical intrigue, focusing on characters entangled in the complexities of Jewish nationalism and colonial aspirations. One of the key figures appears to be Count Mortimer, an Englishman with a past as a former Prime Minister of Thracia, who becomes embroiled in a movement aimed at re-establishing a Jewish state in Palestine. At the start of the book, the reader is introduced to a vibrant scene in Vindobona, where holiday-goers fill the parks and cafés. In a private meeting orchestrated by the financier Israel Goldberg, several men discuss their shared ambition to colonize Palestine, which requires a capable leader to navigate the political intricacies involved. The atmosphere is tense as they eagerly await Count Mortimer, the man they believe can helm their movement. The chapter sets the stage for a story rich with political machinations, exploring the aspirations and conflicts surrounding the Jewish community's desire for a homeland while referencing the broader tensions of the era. As the plot unfolds, the complexities of leadership, identity, and cultural heritage become central themes, leaving the reader curious about the choices facing Count Mortimer and his companions. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Hilda Caroline Gregg was an English author who wrote novels and short stories under the name Sydney C. Grier. She had her fiction printed in The Bristol Times in 1886, then William Blackwood and Sons published her first novel in 1895. She then published a novel every year until 1925, mostly heroic tales about the adventures of English people in places such as Afghanistan, Baghdad, and India.