Mary Anerley: A Yorkshire Tale

"Mary Anerley: A Yorkshire Tale" by R. D. Blackmore is a historical novel written during the late 19th century. Set in the rugged North Riding of Yorkshire, the story revolves around the Yordas family, particularly focusing on the turbulent legacy of Squire Philip Yordas and his descendants, who struggle against the heavy weight of familial pride and misfortune. The beginning of the novel introduces the fateful flooding of "Seven Corpse Ford," which leads to the demise of several farmers, establishing a dark backdrop for the family's tale. The narrative quickly moves to the character of Philip Yordas, whose intense pride and rebellion against his father frame the early conflict. His reckless behavior ultimately results in his tragic death beside the river, symbolizing the violent struggles within the Yordas lineage. As the narrative unfolds, the focus shifts to the Yordas' female heirs, particularly Philippa and Eliza, who navigate the consequences of their father’s will and the specters of their family’s past. The complex interplay of fate, responsibility, and familial bonds sets the stage for the unfolding drama in this richly layered Yorkshire tale. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Richard Doddridge Blackmore, known as R. D. Blackmore, was one of the most famous English novelists of the second half of the nineteenth century. He won acclaim for vivid descriptions and personification of the countryside, sharing with Thomas Hardy a Western England background and a strong sense of regional setting in his works.