Sea of Contumely: A Dr Webster Story

Based on the life of Dr. John Webster, a defrocked cleric, schoolmaster, alchemist, astrologer, surgeon, and writer, this historical fiction novel follows Webster as he uncovers a fraud in the Grammar School at which he is the Master and becomes a sworn enemy of a knighted governor. Webster's household is chased from town, and he is co-opted into the Parliamentary forces as a surgeon. The novel features larger-than-life characters, murder, intrigue, and betrayal, culminating in the Battle of Read Bridge in April 1643.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 344 pages
\n Publication date: 28 November 2021
\n Publisher: Troubador Publishing
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Dr. John Webster, a multifaceted individual born in 1610 and passing away in 1682, possessed a remarkable and intriguing life. He held the titles of a defrocked cleric, schoolmaster, alchemist, astrologer, surgeon, and writer. Webster's character was a complex blend of arrogance, worldly wisdom, and a wry sense of humor. The majority of his writings were presented in the first person, offering a firsthand account of his experiences.

During the early days of the English Civil War, Webster found himself residing and working in Lancashire. It was during this time that he encountered a fraudulent scheme perpetrated by one of the governors of the Grammar School at which he served as the Master. The fraudster, having been knighted by King Charles, became Webster's sworn enemy.

In the aftermath of Webster's household being chased from the town due to the satanic murder of his black servant, he found himself compelled to join the Parliamentary forces as a surgeon. This decision was made in collaboration with his housekeepers son and a Sergeant-at-Arms. Together, they embarked on a journey that took them into the lesser-known battles of Lancashire and the Fylde. The story unfolded with larger-than-life characters, murder, intrigue, and betrayal, culminating in the pivotal yet relatively unknown Battle of Read Bridge in April 1643. This battle played a significant role in the Civil War in Lancashire.

Webster's account, accompanied by his housekeepers son and a Sergeant-at-Arms, provides a captivating glimpse into the historical events of that time. Through his vivid storytelling, readers are transported to the heart of the battles and the political complexities of the Civil War era. The book offers a unique perspective on the lesser-known aspects of this significant period in English history, making it a valuable addition to the literature on the subject.

\n Weight: 610g\n
Dimension: 539 x 245 x 34 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781800465244\n \n