The Land Makes The Lord

by Andrew Wareham

Nathaniel Perry, once an officer living on his pay, is now becoming accustomed to being addressed as Lord Palfrey. His two grandfathers died in the same year, having separately bequeathed title and fortune, allowing Nathanial to show his face in London, and take a cousin as wife.

He has a large estate, as is necessary to maintain the status of a lord, but soon discovers that his paternal grandfather had run it into the ground, screwing out every penny, putting nothing back.

If Nathaniel is to make himself significant in the peerage, and create an inheritance for a son to use to become powerful in the country, then he must make something of his land. That, he discovers, is far more easily said than done.

Genres: Historical Fiction

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2024

Reviews

[Mike Hanford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much a book by Andrew Wareham. I am a fan of his military adventures; and, this is also very satisfying. A social history set in a difficult period for Great Britain. The main character is part of the much larger changes taking place after Napoleon’s defeat. And, a change agent, showing the contrast faced by hard-bitten British soldiers and sailors, in a country very different from the one they had left. Not fast-paced, not three volleys per minute. Interesting as what happened after Waterloo. Well Done, one more time by the author.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been reading a lot of Andrew Wareham this year and really enjoy his books. This is more of an economic and cultural history of the time after the Napoleonic war. Little action but still very interesting. This is available on Kindle Unlimited.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good as usual

I have not found many books by Andrew Wareham that I don't enjoy. This one is an easy read and I am looking forward to the next.

[Christopher Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nathaniel now has a child and his lands are getting more settled. He's pouring huge amounts of money into his estates to renovate and update them from the poverty and old fashioned ways. Also, he has to deal with the fact that his predecessor in the title was a nasty, mean, indebted old man which ruined the name of Palfrey across the entire nation.

The book seems to me to be written by the seat of Wareham's pants, coming up with new stuff as he thinks of it, but it works out by making the flow unpredictable and avoids the awkward pattern of balls, marriages, romances, gambling etc. Its a bit of an uphill battle trying to get the ignorant and somewhat dull locals to adapt to new ideas, and finding ways to deal with the huge surplus of men generated by the end of the war.

However, a criticism I have to raise is that while the surplus of men is mentioned -- even riots and rick burning (burning hay barns) are talked about -- none of it is shown. The grinding, extreme poverty of the peasants are mentioned, but almost never actually displayed. They're academic, something raised in conversation and solutions worked on. So a lot of potential is missed entirely.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different take on the end of the Napoleonic war.

I have found this second book in the series to be as enjoyable as the first. This book had even more tidbits of life and philosophy economically of the time. I can't wait to read the third book, which I hope will follow it shortly.

[Charles Bussell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Worthy Lord

Truly, Lord Nathanial is a worthy Lord. Working to correct the horrific reputation of his grandfather, at a time when the very wealthy, ennobled elite were simply not concerned, Lord Nat dedicates himself to make good. A wonderful story told by one of the best. Can’t wait for book 3.

[John Nino · Rating 5 out of 5]

change is for the better

I really enjoy Mr. Wareham’s writings. He seems really immersed in the social and societal aspects of England on the 18th century. I get so involved in his tales that I find excuses to keep on reading when I should be doing other things. Waiting for the next chapters of the Palfrey’s life.

[Jim Purcell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord Palfrey continues his agricultural march to the future.

Much needs to be done; to the land, the local inhabitants and their current attitudes, culture and work habits before the Palfrey Estates can be profitable and productive. Radical solutions are posited which require substantial upfront investment.

[Carol Landry · Rating 5 out of 5]

History With A Spoonful Of Sugar

Read these books in order. The author provides interesting insights to lifestyles, mores and thinking in England just following the Napoleonic wars. Likeable main characters, eye opening even shocking ideas about social standing. This is a time of great change in England. Very enjoyable.

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting read

Thoroughly enjoyable read , it was a hard life of you weren't titled or rich and much seems pretty brutal compared to the pampered lives we live now , interesting that even after two hundred years our politicians are just as incompetent and self-serving as they were then. Hoping there are further books in.the series.

[Joseph Herlihy · Rating 4 out of 5]

just a read

I read simple books like this one while exercising, makes the time fly by. Otherwise it is pretty stilted language with some insight into the age, just after the Napoleonic wars.

[Mr D.A. Kee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining history! The finest mixture.

Mr Wareham is becoming my go to author as he has an engaging style in keeping with the period without being tiresome.
I thoroughly enjoy being entertained and educated at the same time.

[T.J. Callahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

well done historical fiction

Apparently well researched Andrew Wareham does a nice job up depicting the impact of the end of the Napoleonic wars in the south of England.

[Graham Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A jolly good read

Another excellent Wareham novel. I felt it remained true to the era inquiry it was set. Good character and 'world' building. Most enjoyable.

[G.A.NEWMAN · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting social experiments

I feel that A.W. Is indulging himself acting as a social reformer in early years of the 19C. And nothing wrong in that, I have enjoyed the ride.

[Scout · Rating 4 out of 5]

The opportunities seem endless. Alliances are necessary. At the end, a Free clinic supported by the local town is founded. Book three is nowhere in sight.

[John Arce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent british country fiction

Nice read!! Very detailed.
Hope this is the beginning of a long series of novels.
Can't wait for book 3.