Bardelys the magnificent

The longer title of this book is "Bardelys the Magnificent; being an account of the strange wooing pursued by the Sieur Marcel de Saint-Pol, marquis of Bardelys...'' - and a strange account it is. One of Sabatini's earlier works the novel is an enjoyable read - and follows a usual formula of the author insofar that the main character, Sieur Marcel de Saint-Pol, a man of splendiferous honour pursues fortune and a woman of whom love grows as the adventure unfolds. In the current case Bardelys may be magnificent in his abilities to woo, to control men, to pursue valour etc but he is left severely wanting in the area of common sense and therefore (but for the moderating hand of fate) he continuously makes mistakes which would fell the normal man with regards truth and honour. Thus whilst lesser men who perhaps with rather more 'magnificence' in this area would act more carefully, Bardelys survives by chance and the privilege of nobility.  This thrilling tale is by the author of Captain Blood and other adventure tales.  Great reading for ages 8 to 80.