An Uncrowned King: A Romance of High Politics

"An Uncrowned King: A Romance of High Politics" by Sydney C. Grier is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds within the realm of high politics and revolves around Viscount Usk, an English nobleman who finds himself faced with an unexpected and weighty proposition: to become the king of the troubled Balkan kingdom of Thracia. The intrigue of political affairs, revolution, and personal desire sets the stage for this compelling tale. The opening of the novel introduces us to the political turmoil surrounding Lord Usk, who is grappling with governmental decisions that threaten his political ambitions. After witnessing the frustrations of his fellow members in the House of Commons, Usk is invited by the Thracian M. Drakovics to consider ascending to the throne of Thracia, which leads him into a deeper contemplation of duty, identity, and sacrifice. As Usk navigates his societal responsibilities and personal relationships, we are also introduced to influential characters, like Mrs. Sadleir, who provide a social backdrop to Usk’s evolving journey. The chapter teases the intertwining of romance and high-stakes politics, setting the tone for an exploration of leadership, loyalty, and the burdens of power. (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.