John Meade Falkner

John Meade Falkner nació en Wiltshire (Inglaterra) en 1858. Tras graduarse en Oxford, supo compaginar sus dispares aficiones como la música sacra, la demonología, los libros viejos, los violines o los vinos antiguos, con el mas lucrativo empleo de tutor de los hijos del poderoso Andrew Noble, destacado directivo de la naviera inglesa Armstrong Mitchell, de la que Falkner llego a ser presidente. Realizo numerosos viajes comerciales por Europa y Asia, viajes que aprovecho para hacer eruditas investigaciones historicas en Italia o Turquia. Sus obligaciones profesionales no le impidieron escribir tres memorables novelas de aventuras y misterio: Moonfleet (1898), una novela de aventuras al estilo de La isla del tesoro, que llevo al cine Fritz Lang, The Nebuly Coat (1903) y El Stradivarius perdido (1895), un clasico de la ghost story victoriana emparentado por su penetracion psicologica con La vuelta de tuerca. La trama sigue la historia de John Maltravers, un joven estudiante de Oxford apasionado por la musica, que se obsesiona con una antigua partitura que trajo un compañero de estudios de un viaje por Italia, pues cada vez que la interpreta experimenta extrañas sensaciones. Un dia descubre un violin Stradivarius oculto tras un cuadro en sus habitaciones. Este hallazgo lo vuelve cada vez mas taciturno y lo llevara a investigar el oscuro pasado del violin, partiendo de las dos etiquetas del fabricante en las que puede leerse: Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis faciebat, 1704 y Porphyrius philosophus...

"Moonfleet" (1898) begins as a mystery and an adventure story, a tale of smuggling set among the cliffs, caves, and downs of Dorset. What will be the outcome of the conflict between smugglers and revenue men? And how can the hero, John Trenchard, discover the secret of Colonel John Mohune''s treasure? As the book progresses these two interwoven themes resolve themselves into a third and richer one, with the friendship and suffering of both John Trenchard and the craggy, taciturn Elzevir Block. Falkner''s feeling for history and for the landscape of his Dorset setting combine with his gift for storytelling to turn "Moonfleet" into a historical romance of moving intensity.

Elogiada en la brillante construcción de sus personajes por Conrad, de ella dijo R. L. Stevenson: "Moonfleet es la novela que siempre quise escribir, pero lo único que pude hacer fue La isla del tesoro".Un siglo despues, Georges Remi (Herge) reconoceria el paralelismo de sus famosos personajes Tintin y Haddock con los protagonistas de Moonfleet: John Trenchard, muchacho sediento de aventuras, y su compañero Elzevir, el viejo lobo de mar, contrabandista y bebedor de ron.La furia del deseo de vivir del joven muchacho frente a la ternura de verse continuado en el por parte del viejo marino trazan fuertes lineas maestras en esta historia de accion en la que no falta ningun elemento para saciar el hambre de aventuras: un fantasma, una pista escrita en el medallon de un cadaver, un tesoro oculto, un contrabandista bebedor, un joven soñador, una belleza seductora, un asesinato, una huida, un traidor, una venganza, un naufragio, un regreso. Y el mar como paisaje engañoso, añorado, cruel, que acuna la narracion con la inevitable melodia de la gran literatura clasica. Pero lo que convierte El Diamante de Moonfleet en una obra maestra universal es algo mucho mas dificil de conseguir: su autor, Meade Falkner, queriendo contar la aventura de unos hombres, termino construyendo una historia sobre el ser humano.

Orphaned John Trenchard grows up in the village of Moonfleet with his aunt, entranced by the local legend of the ghostly Blackbeard, who rises each winter night to search for his lost diamond.

In "The Lost Stradivarius," John Meade Falkner weaves a captivating tale steeped in the realms of mystery and the occult. The narrative follows the journey of a young man, the protagonist, who becomes entangled in the seductive allure of a rare Stradivarius violin rumored to possess supernatural powers. Set against the backdrop of late 19th-century England, Falkners prose is rich and atmospheric, employing a gothic sensibility that aligns with the literary currents of his time. The book not only explores themes of obsession and desire but also critiques the tensions between rationality and the mystical, making it a fascinating exploration of human psyche and ambition. Falkner, an English author and a notable figure in literature, drew upon his extensive background in engineering and his love of antiquarian music to craft this tale. His own fascination with the legacies of the past and the complexities of desire likely influenced the creation of this novel, which reflects the eras burgeoning interest in psychology and the supernatural. Falkners literary craftsmanship is often overshadowed by his contemporaries yet reveals his unique voice and profound thematic engagement. Recommended for enthusiasts of gothic literature and psychological drama, "The Lost Stradivarius" invites readers into a world where music becomes a conduit for the unexplained. FalknerAos meticulous attention to detail and rich character development ensures an immersive reading experience that will resonate with anyone who has ever been captivated by the allure of the past or the enigmatic power of art.

In "The Nebuly Coat," John Meade Falkner weaves a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of the English countryside, blending elements of mystery and romance with a Gothic sensibility. The novels protagonist, an enigmatic figure embroiled in a web of secrets, navigates a world of social unrest and personal ambition. Falkners writing is marked by rich descriptions and a keen psychological insight, employing a narrative style that echoes the complexities of Victorian literature, while also resonating with the thematic concerns of identity and the pasts haunting influence on the present. John Meade Falkner, a contemporary of Joseph Conrad and Henry James, initially made his mark as a businessman and a passionate amateur archaeologist. His diverse interests and experiences likely contributed to the intricate landscape and multifaceted characters in "The Nebuly Coat." Falkners knowledge of the natural world and historical depth serves to elevate this novel beyond its superficial story, inviting readers into a richly textured world that reflects his own scholarly pursuits. For readers who appreciate atmospheric settings and nuanced character studies, "The Nebuly Coat" is a must-read. Its blend of mystery and emotional depth will captivate those who enjoy not only a gripping tale but also an exploration of the human condition. Falkners masterful storytelling offers profound insights into love, loss, and the inexorable ties of heritage, making this novel a timeless addition to the canon of English literature.

John Meade Falkners "The Nebuly Coat" is a masterful intertwining of Gothic novel and romance, set against the evocative backdrop of an English coastal town. It intricately explores themes of love, revenge, and the spectral remnants of the past through its vivid characterization and elegant prose. Falkner employs a nuanced narrative style that utilizes both descriptive passages and dialogue to weave a tale rich in atmosphere and tension, reflecting the literary traditions of the late 19th century, while also incorporating elements of realism that ground the supernatural elements within relatable human experiences. Falkner, a lesser-known yet compelling figure of Victorian literature, was deeply influenced by his background in engineering and his keen interest in archaeology, which provided him with a unique lens through which to examine the intersections of history and human emotion. The personal experiences within his life likely inspired the themes of identity and legacy that permeate "The Nebuly Coat," illuminating the impact of societal and familial heritage on individual destinies. Engaging and thought-provoking, "The Nebuly Coat" is a must-read for enthusiasts of Gothic literature and historical fiction alike. Falkners ability to capture the eerie beauty of the past alongside the complexities of human relationships makes this novel an enriching addition to any literary collection.

Moonfleet is an adventure story set against the background of smuggling in southern England in the 18th century.It follows the life of John Trenchard, a lonely young orphan, and his search for a lost diamond. Read about the smugglers as they hide contraband in secret vaults in the graveyard.Can they escape from the cruel magistrate who pursues them without mercy? Will John ever find the precious diamond?

En el pueblo de Moonfleet, el joven John Trenchard halla un colgante en el cadáver de «Barbanegra», famoso personaje fallecido un siglo antes. Dentro hay unas notas que indican dónde se oculta el tes

En el pueblo de Moonfleet, el joven John Trenchard halla un colgante en el cadáver de «Barbanegra», famoso personaje fallecido un siglo antes. Dentro hay unas notas que indican dónde se oculta el tes

Moonfleet (1898) begins as a mystery and an adventure story, a tale of smuggling set among the cliffs, caves, and downs of dorset. What will be the outcome of the conflict between smugglers and revenue men? how can the hero, john trenchard, discover the secret of colonel john mohune's treasure? as the book progresses these two interwoven themes resolve themselves into a third and richer one, with the friendship and suffering of both john trenchard and the craggy, taciturn elzevir block. Falkner's feeling for history and for the landscape of his dorset setting combine with his gift for storytelling to turn moonfleet into a historical romance of moving intensity.

La tour de l''église Saint-Sépulcre domine la petite ville de Cullerne. Elle renferme dans sa pénombre l''étrange lueur du blason constellé de vert et d''argent de la famille Blandamer. Westray, un jeune architecte londonien, venu restaurer l''eglise, se trouve peu a peu plonge au coeur du mystere qui entoure la descendance de cette illustre famille. Tous ceux qui ont tente de resoudre l''enigme ont echoue : des qu''ils approchaient du but, quelque chose les en ecartait .