The White Company
(Author) Sir Arthur Conan DoyleThe White Company is a historical adventure by British writer Arthur Conan Doyle, set during the Hundred Years' War. The story is set in England, France, and Spain, in the years 1366 and 1367, against the background of the campaign of Edward, the Black Prince to restore Peter of Castile to the throne of the Kingdom of Castile. The climax of the book occurs before the Battle of N�jera. Doyle became inspired to write the novel after attending a lecture on the Middle Ages in 1889. After extensive research, The White Company was published in serialized form in 1891 in Cornhill Magazine. Additionally, the book is considered a companion to Doyle's later work Sir Nigel, which explores the early campaigns of Sir Nigel Loring and Samkin Aylward. The novel is relatively unknown today, though it was very popular up through the Second World War. In fact, Doyle himself regarded this and his other historical novels more highly than the Sherlock Holmes adventures for which he is mainly remembered. The "White Company" of the title is a free company of archers, led by one of the main characters. The name is taken from a real-life 14th-century Italian mercenary company, led by John Hawkwood. (wikipedia.org)
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a British writer and physician, best known for creating the iconic detective character Sherlock Holmes. His most notable works include the Sherlock Holmes series, featuring novels such as "A Study in Scarlet" and "The Hound of the Baskervilles." Doyle's writing style is characterized by intricate plots, meticulous attention to detail, and clever deductions that have influenced the detective genre for generations to come. His contributions to literature include popularizing the detective story and creating one of the most enduring and beloved fictional characters in history. "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" remains his most famous work, showcasing his talent for crafting compelling mysteries and memorable characters. Doyle's impact on literature is immeasurable, as his works continue to inspire countless adaptations, tributes, and homages in various forms of media.