Priscilla's Spies

"Priscilla's Spies" by George A. Birmingham is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins in a setting of English public school life, focusing on the character of Frank Mannix, a celebrated student returning from a successful school term, and his cousin Priscilla, a spirited girl with a determined attitude. The opening chapters suggest themes of youth, adventure, and perhaps an exploration of societal expectations, particularly as both characters navigate the complexities of family relationships and personal ambitions. At the start of the novel, Frank Mannix is hailed as a hero for his achievements in sports at his school, which leads to an excited departure for the summer holidays. However, his journey takes a turn when he gets involved in an accident on the way to visit his uncle, resulting in a sprained ankle. Meanwhile, his cousin Priscilla is introduced as a lively and independent character, determined to take matters into her own hands. The narrative hints at an adventure as they plan to explore the bay, with Priscilla playfully suggesting they may even be hunting down a German spy. This mix of light-hearted banter and impending adventure sets the tone for the unfolding story, indicating that the novel will blend humor with elements of mystery and youthful escapades. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

George A. Birmingham was the pen name of James Owen Hannay, Irish clergyman and prolific novelist. He was active in the Gaelic League, but strained his relations with Irish nationalists by supporting Robert Lindsay Crawford in his opposition to clerical control of education.