John de Lancaster: a novel; vol. III.

"John de Lancaster: a novel; vol. III." by Richard Cumberland is a fictional work likely written in the early 19th century. The narrative follows John De Lancaster, who is embroiled in complex family dynamics and moral dilemmas as he navigates the tensions surrounding his father's controversial engagement to the widow Ap Owen. As the protagonist, John faces the challenge of upholding his family's honor amidst a backdrop of personal and societal conflict. The opening of this volume sets the stage for John's departure to rescue his father from an unsavory marriage obligation, which he is coerced into by Sir David Ap Owen. As John prepares for his journey, the interactions at Kray Castle showcase rich character dynamics, revealing the social and emotional stakes involved. The inclusion of Ap Rees, a blind minstrel lamenting his daughter’s tragic fate, introduces themes of loss and justice, as well as the harsh realities faced by characters within the story, enhancing the emotional depth of John’s quest. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Richard Cumberland was an English dramatist and civil servant. In 1771 his hit play The West Indian was first staged. During the American War of Independence he acted as a secret negotiator with Spain in an effort to secure a peace agreement between the two nations. He also edited a short-lived critical journal called The London Review (1809). His plays are often remembered for their sympathetic depiction of characters generally considered to be on the margins of society.