sidling up

"The Yeoman Adventurer" by George W. Gough is a historical novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds through the experiences of Oliver Wheatman, a yeoman, as he navigates life in a tumultuous period marked by the Jacobite uprisings, personal ambition, and romantic entanglements. The novel delves into themes of bravery, identity, and the quest for adventure against a backdrop of deep social and political upheaval. The opening of the book introduces Oliver Wheatman as he reflects on his life in a rural setting, immediately exposing his longing for adventure and the complexities of his relationships, especially with a character named Kate and her brother Jack Dobson, a soldier. As he witnesses soldiers marching and grapples with feelings of inadequacy, his fate intertwines with that of a captivating woman, Mistress Margaret Waynflete, who is entangled in the Jacobite cause. The chapter sets up a series of events where violence and danger emerge, ultimately leading Oliver to rescue Mistress Waynflete, and shapes the thrilling and romantic quest that defines the narrative.

This collection examines the journeys and working lives of European theatre practitioners during the age of empire. Historical case studies explore migration, performance, cultural exchange and the political conditions shaping theatrical careers across national borders.