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Author Archives: Nostalgistudio
A No-Cost Alternative
Saluting Mary Shelley and the public domain; plus links to bonus essays.
(1) Introduction
In 1818, an unnamed author pillages an archaeological site on the Bay of Naples of written artifacts—authentic Sibylline prophecies—that she’ll later transcribe.
(2) Chapter I.
Lionel Verney, the boy who will become The Last Man, grows up with his sister Perdita in the mid-21st century English Lake District’s lowest class. (originally posted 30 May 2021)
(3) Chapter 2.
Adrian, the son of Britain’s former king, enters the siblings’ sheltered lives.
(4) Chapter 2 cont.
Two more women enter the tale: the Ex-Queen, Adrian’s mother, and the Greek Princess Evadne, the one Adrian loves. (originally posted 3 June 2021)
(5) Chapter 3.
An insignificant posting to the embassy in Vienna begins (and ends) Lionel’s professional life; back in England, a new character rises—Lord Raymond.
(6) Chapter 4/1.
At Perdita’s cottage in Windsor Forest, Lionel meets Lord Raymond and the beauteous Idris, his destined bride.
(7) Chapter 4/1 cont.
With Adrian mad from heartbreak and secluded in Scotland, the crown that might have been his gets closer to Lord Raymond’s head.
(8) Chapter 4/2.
Lord Raymond shows what he will do for love of Lionel’s teenaged sister.