The Little Manx Nation - 1891

"The Little Manx Nation" by Hall Caine is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the identity, history, and culture of the Isle of Man, delving into the tales of its kings, bishops, and people. It is presented in the form of lectures delivered at the Royal Institution, filled with rich anecdotes and reflections that reveal the soul of this small island nation. At the start of the narrative, Caine introduces the concept of "islandness," emphasizing how deeply the sea influences the lives and identities of Manxmen. He describes the Isle of Man's stunning landscapes and the integral connection its inhabitants have with the sea, setting the tone for an exploration of its history. Caine outlines early sovereignty under Celtic and Norse rulers, exemplifying this through the legendary figure of King Orry and the establishment of a unique constitution. He hints at the rich and tumultuous history of the island, from the struggles against foreign dominators to the preservation of their customs and language, which would be thoroughly elaborated throughout the book. (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.