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Ride with Me
This book was digitized and reprinted from the collections of the University of California Libraries. It was produced from digital images created through the libraries’ mass digitization efforts. The digital images were cleaned and prepared for printing through automated processes. Despite the cleaning process, occasional flaws may still be present that were part of the original work itself, or introduced during digitization. This book and hundreds of thousands of others can be found online in the HathiTrust Digital Library at www.hathitrust.org.
472 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1944
11 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Thomas B. Costain
128 books185 followersCostain was born in Brantford, Ontario to John Herbert Costain and Mary Schultz. He attended high school there at the Brantford Collegiate Institute. Before graduating from high school he had written four novels, one of which was a 70,000 word romance about Maurice of Nassau, Prince of Orange. These early novels were rejected by publishers.
His first writing success came in 1902 when the Brantford Courier accepted a mystery story from him, and he became a reporter there (for five dollars a week). He was an editor at the Guelph Daily Mercury between 1908 and 1910. He married Ida Randolph Spragge (1888–1975) in York, Ontario on January 12, 1910. The couple had two children, Molly (Mrs. Howard Haycraft) and Dora (Mrs. Henry Darlington Steinmetz). Also in 1910, Costain joined the Maclean Publishing Group where he edited three trade journals. Beginning in 1914, he was a staff writer for and, from 1917, editor of Toronto-based Maclean's magazine. His success there brought him to the attention of The Saturday Evening Post in New York City where he was fiction editor for fourteen years.
In 1920 he became a naturalized U.S. citizen. He also worked for Doubleday Books as an editor 1939-1946. He was the head of 20th Century Fox’s bureau of literary development (story department) from 1934 to 1942.
In 1940, he wrote four short novels but was “enough of an editor not to send them out”. He next planned to write six books in a series he called “The Stepchildren of History”. He would write about six interesting but unknown historical figures. For his first, he wrote about the seventeenth-century pirate John Ward aka Jack Ward. In 1942, he realized his longtime dream when this first novel For My Great Folly was published, and it became a bestseller with over 132,000 copies sold. The New York Times reviewer stated at the end of the review "there will be no romantic-adventure lover left unsatisfied." In January 1946 he "retired" to spend the rest of his life writing, at a rate of about 3,000 words a day.
Raised as a Baptist, he was reported in the 1953 Current Biography to be an attendant of the Protestant Episcopal Church. He was described as a handsome, tall, broad-shouldered man with a pink and white complexion, clear blue eyes, and a slight Canadian accent. He was white-haired by the time he began to write novels. He loved animals and could not even kill a bug (but he also loved bridge, and he did not extend the same policy to his partners). He also loved movies and the theatre (he met his future wife when she was performing Ruth in the The Pirates of Penzance).
Costain's work is a mixture of commercial history (such as The White and The Gold, a history of New France to around 1720) and fiction that relies heavily on historic events (one review stated it was hard to tell where history leaves off and apocrypha begins). His most popular novel was The Black Rose (1945), centred in the time and actions of Bayan of the Baarin also known as Bayan of the Hundred Eyes. Costain noted in his foreword that he initially intended the book to be about Bayan and Edward I, but became caught up in the legend of Thomas a Becket's parents: an English knight married to an Eastern girl. The book was a selection of the Literary Guild with a first printing of 650,000 copies and sold over two million copies in its first year.
His research led him to believe that Richard III was a great monarch tarred by conspiracies, after his death, with the murder of the princes in the tower. Costain supported his theories with documentation, suggesting that the real murderer was Henry VII.
Costain died in 1965 at his New York City home of a heart attack at the age of 80. He is buried in the Farringdon Independent Church Cemetery in Brantford.
His first writing success came in 1902 when the Brantford Courier accepted a mystery story from him, and he became a reporter there (for five dollars a week). He was an editor at the Guelph Daily Mercury between 1908 and 1910. He married Ida Randolph Spragge (1888–1975) in York, Ontario on January 12, 1910. The couple had two children, Molly (Mrs. Howard Haycraft) and Dora (Mrs. Henry Darlington Steinmetz). Also in 1910, Costain joined the Maclean Publishing Group where he edited three trade journals. Beginning in 1914, he was a staff writer for and, from 1917, editor of Toronto-based Maclean's magazine. His success there brought him to the attention of The Saturday Evening Post in New York City where he was fiction editor for fourteen years.
In 1920 he became a naturalized U.S. citizen. He also worked for Doubleday Books as an editor 1939-1946. He was the head of 20th Century Fox’s bureau of literary development (story department) from 1934 to 1942.
In 1940, he wrote four short novels but was “enough of an editor not to send them out”. He next planned to write six books in a series he called “The Stepchildren of History”. He would write about six interesting but unknown historical figures. For his first, he wrote about the seventeenth-century pirate John Ward aka Jack Ward. In 1942, he realized his longtime dream when this first novel For My Great Folly was published, and it became a bestseller with over 132,000 copies sold. The New York Times reviewer stated at the end of the review "there will be no romantic-adventure lover left unsatisfied." In January 1946 he "retired" to spend the rest of his life writing, at a rate of about 3,000 words a day.
Raised as a Baptist, he was reported in the 1953 Current Biography to be an attendant of the Protestant Episcopal Church. He was described as a handsome, tall, broad-shouldered man with a pink and white complexion, clear blue eyes, and a slight Canadian accent. He was white-haired by the time he began to write novels. He loved animals and could not even kill a bug (but he also loved bridge, and he did not extend the same policy to his partners). He also loved movies and the theatre (he met his future wife when she was performing Ruth in the The Pirates of Penzance).
Costain's work is a mixture of commercial history (such as The White and The Gold, a history of New France to around 1720) and fiction that relies heavily on historic events (one review stated it was hard to tell where history leaves off and apocrypha begins). His most popular novel was The Black Rose (1945), centred in the time and actions of Bayan of the Baarin also known as Bayan of the Hundred Eyes. Costain noted in his foreword that he initially intended the book to be about Bayan and Edward I, but became caught up in the legend of Thomas a Becket's parents: an English knight married to an Eastern girl. The book was a selection of the Literary Guild with a first printing of 650,000 copies and sold over two million copies in its first year.
His research led him to believe that Richard III was a great monarch tarred by conspiracies, after his death, with the murder of the princes in the tower. Costain supported his theories with documentation, suggesting that the real murderer was Henry VII.
Costain died in 1965 at his New York City home of a heart attack at the age of 80. He is buried in the Farringdon Independent Church Cemetery in Brantford.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 28, 2012
Set during the Napoleonic Wars, the book is centered around newspaperman Francis (Frank) Ellory. Francis chafes at the restrictions the crown puts to the press, and his outspokenness often gets him in trouble (actually, he ends up in jail for a stint because of it). The other two main characters in the book are exiled Frenchwoman Gabrielle de Salle (who Frank is head over heels in love with) and *Riding Bobby*, Sir Robert Wilson, a highly respected soldier despite his frequent tangles with his superiors. Frank signs on as a war correspondent and follow Sir Robert during the Peninsular wars, and again to Russia during Napoleon's Russian campaign and retreat - plus he's got his beloved Gabrielle to save.
I've been putting off writing a full review on this one for about two weeks and I've realized it's not going to happen, I've got writer's block and this is one of those books that is too difficult to properly review (plus this is cutting into my reading time). I did enjoy this, although it was one of those books I could put down and pick it up again when the mood struck me, so it's not a page turner. I liked using Frank's career as a newsman to give the reader a different look at historical events, especially with the battles in the Peninsula campaign - hard to explain but it's a different way for the reader to observe the battles. If you are new to this period of history, I wouldn't recommend this book as the one to get you started, but worth while for those more familiar with Napoleon's Peninsula and Russian campaigns.
I've been putting off writing a full review on this one for about two weeks and I've realized it's not going to happen, I've got writer's block and this is one of those books that is too difficult to properly review (plus this is cutting into my reading time). I did enjoy this, although it was one of those books I could put down and pick it up again when the mood struck me, so it's not a page turner. I liked using Frank's career as a newsman to give the reader a different look at historical events, especially with the battles in the Peninsula campaign - hard to explain but it's a different way for the reader to observe the battles. If you are new to this period of history, I wouldn't recommend this book as the one to get you started, but worth while for those more familiar with Napoleon's Peninsula and Russian campaigns.
November 2, 2012
Buddy read with Dawn, Misfit and Sandi, starting in September 15.
Page 6:
"We've been taught we must remain French in everything, and must particularly in our thoughts. It's hoped we shall be returning home soon."
Page 14:
"I was talking to a group of big men in the government the other day...They agreed that the danger of invasion was over. Nelson ended it for all time in Trafalgar."
Page 39:
"Have you any idea how serious the situation is? Listen to this. Prussia may go against us as well as Russia. Spain, Portugal, Sweden even, may be forced into the coalition. Austria doesn't dare make a move, not a move. With his flanks protected, Bonaparte is free for the first time to throw his full power against us. And here we are, standing all alone."
Page 40:
"No may be saying to himself this very minute, 'It will be worth it if I can capture England and settle this war once and for all.' Remember, he's absolute now. As absolute as Genghis Khan was."
Page 107:
"It was clear now that Napoleon did not intend to enter at once on the bloodily gamble of an invasion of England but was proceeding instead with his plans to gobble up the Peninsula first."
Page 227:
"There have been rumors for a long time that some of these mangy Frenchmen were sending information to General Bonaparte."
Page 234:
"France is full of people with no loyalty for Napoleon."
Page 344:
"It was over al last, the Napoleonic domination of Europe. No longer would it be necessary fro Englishmen in scratch wigs to drill with broom-sticks."
As usual Costain is a master of historical fiction books since he is able to intertwine accurate historical facts with characters that really play their role into the plot itself.
An interesting list of books set during the napoleonic Wars can be found at Napoleonic Novels.
Some additional historical links:
Napoleonic Wars
Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815)
History of Napoleonic Wars
Guerres de la Révolution française
Page 6:
"We've been taught we must remain French in everything, and must particularly in our thoughts. It's hoped we shall be returning home soon."
Page 14:
"I was talking to a group of big men in the government the other day...They agreed that the danger of invasion was over. Nelson ended it for all time in Trafalgar."
Page 39:
"Have you any idea how serious the situation is? Listen to this. Prussia may go against us as well as Russia. Spain, Portugal, Sweden even, may be forced into the coalition. Austria doesn't dare make a move, not a move. With his flanks protected, Bonaparte is free for the first time to throw his full power against us. And here we are, standing all alone."
Page 40:
"No may be saying to himself this very minute, 'It will be worth it if I can capture England and settle this war once and for all.' Remember, he's absolute now. As absolute as Genghis Khan was."
Page 107:
"It was clear now that Napoleon did not intend to enter at once on the bloodily gamble of an invasion of England but was proceeding instead with his plans to gobble up the Peninsula first."
Page 227:
"There have been rumors for a long time that some of these mangy Frenchmen were sending information to General Bonaparte."
Page 234:
"France is full of people with no loyalty for Napoleon."
Page 344:
"It was over al last, the Napoleonic domination of Europe. No longer would it be necessary fro Englishmen in scratch wigs to drill with broom-sticks."
As usual Costain is a master of historical fiction books since he is able to intertwine accurate historical facts with characters that really play their role into the plot itself.
An interesting list of books set during the napoleonic Wars can be found at Napoleonic Novels.
Some additional historical links:
Napoleonic Wars
Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815)
History of Napoleonic Wars
Guerres de la Révolution française
June 15, 2012
I checked out all the Costain books I could get my hands on during the early '70's, and I found this one in a thrift store for a dime. Having read at least a half dozen of his books by that time, I realized that Costain was a romance writer who used accurate historical settings to couch his stories, so I could tell people I read his stuff to learn the history, when I really loved the romances. "Ride with Me," taking a portion of a song about Sir Robert Wilson, a British cavalry officer/hero during the Napoleonic Wars for its title, portrays that pivotal point in history quite well, with an interesting, well-moving story. With that in mind, if my wife asks me, since everything Costain wrote has at least some romance, what is the real difference between his work and Jane Austen's, I can say, with impunity, that something happens in Costain's books.
January 7, 2013
This Canadian born author (1885-1965) is a master of English historican fiction. Pure enjoyment to read, words you have to look up
(barracoon, kinkajou, pulchritude, pelisse) and lots of daring do. One of my all time favortie books is "Tontine". His book "The Silver Chalice" was made into a movie that was Paul Newman's film debut.
This book starts in 1808 and is the story of a newspaper editor/owner in London with an ambitious brother and mother after him and their share of the prosperity of the newspaper. Attempting to be the best, he uses carrier pidgeons and war correspondents, which were unheard of and consequently gets caught up in romance and the Napoleonic wars.
(barracoon, kinkajou, pulchritude, pelisse) and lots of daring do. One of my all time favortie books is "Tontine". His book "The Silver Chalice" was made into a movie that was Paul Newman's film debut.
This book starts in 1808 and is the story of a newspaper editor/owner in London with an ambitious brother and mother after him and their share of the prosperity of the newspaper. Attempting to be the best, he uses carrier pidgeons and war correspondents, which were unheard of and consequently gets caught up in romance and the Napoleonic wars.
Read
June 26, 2013Buddy read with Laura, Misfit and Sandi set for mid September. Looking forward to my first Costain read!
So I finally get a copy and what does Spats do today, he bites the top right corner, going through all the pages up to chapter 1. What is he trying to tell me, that he really, really likes it or that he hates it, or jealous maybe? He could make it real interesting for me. Hopefully the bookcover holder thingie I use when reading will keep him from chewing it up.
So I finally get a copy and what does Spats do today, he bites the top right corner, going through all the pages up to chapter 1. What is he trying to tell me, that he really, really likes it or that he hates it, or jealous maybe? He could make it real interesting for me. Hopefully the bookcover holder thingie I use when reading will keep him from chewing it up.
February 19, 2018
Most of this book is a riveting page turner. However it should have ended 100 pages earlier. The last part of the book has the hero still chasing after the woman who spurned him at ever turn. At that point I lost compassion for Frank Ellery.
July 29, 2018
Super fun read
December 21, 2021
This was NOT a Kindle edition [the only one that Goodreads would show me] but in fact I have an original 1944 edition of the book, a little worse for wear.
Thomas B. Costain was a known author to me because of The Silver Chalice, and I thought other works that he had written. This story involved Napoleon and the French/ English/ Russian wars mainly told from the perspective of an English publisher, Frank, the oldest of a three son family. He is constantly 'bested' by his younger brother, Caradoc, who is much better looking and more talented and who - by the way - had 'accidentally' shot his older brother when they were younger, causing Frank to have a pronounced limp. Even more importantly in the story is a beautiful French aristocratic woman, Gabrielle, who is a refugee in England from the French who have dispossessed her and her family.
Frank loves Gabby despite her being involved in some way with everyone from his younger brother to Napoleon himself and follows her and his love for years way beyond what would make sense, including her marrying another. If the reader knows much of the Napoleonic history, which I did not, the book may make more sense. But nevertheless, I was able to follow the story and enjoyed it most of the time through to the end.
The end, of which I am mostly critical in nonfiction, was actually somewhat delightful, if somewhat unbelievable.
Thomas B. Costain was a known author to me because of The Silver Chalice, and I thought other works that he had written. This story involved Napoleon and the French/ English/ Russian wars mainly told from the perspective of an English publisher, Frank, the oldest of a three son family. He is constantly 'bested' by his younger brother, Caradoc, who is much better looking and more talented and who - by the way - had 'accidentally' shot his older brother when they were younger, causing Frank to have a pronounced limp. Even more importantly in the story is a beautiful French aristocratic woman, Gabrielle, who is a refugee in England from the French who have dispossessed her and her family.
Frank loves Gabby despite her being involved in some way with everyone from his younger brother to Napoleon himself and follows her and his love for years way beyond what would make sense, including her marrying another. If the reader knows much of the Napoleonic history, which I did not, the book may make more sense. But nevertheless, I was able to follow the story and enjoyed it most of the time through to the end.
The end, of which I am mostly critical in nonfiction, was actually somewhat delightful, if somewhat unbelievable.
December 27, 2009
I wish there were half stars as a choice because this would receive a 3 1/2. Written in 1944 it's a little cumbersome to read, but did bring to my attention Sir Robert Wilson who was of tremendous importance during the Napolianic war years. Costain approached this novel in much the same way he wrote his historical writing - great depth of research and a historian's love for his point of view.
April 21, 2013
I enjoyed this book but my limited knowledge of the Napoleonic wars and that era limited my ability to really get into it as much. I'm slowly learning more about that time and the significant historical players. I had to do some googling of certain terms that were quite unfamiliar to me. But, I still enjoyed reading it.
August 2, 2013
A historical fiction whose backdrop is the Napoleonic era. Not only is it set in France, but in England, Russia and Spain. Somewhat interesting to me; I don't care for the little emperor. This book was not on the par of the Plantagenet series, I expected more from Thomas Costain.
October 22, 2013
Read this, seemingly, a million years ago and loved it...as I do most Costain books. From the vantage point age has now appointed me, I believe it's time for a reread of his work...it's funny how time alters and enriches understanding and perspective.
December 30, 2014
I love this book. It is on my regular rota of books I reread after finding it on a shelf at my grandparents house thirty years ago. A sweeping romance that brings the salons of Napoleon's Europe into glimmering relief.
October 18, 2016
The historical accuracy of what was going on at the time is what interested me, the characters and plot and sheer mindless obsession was very off-putting. At times charming, at other times utterly dreary, I can't say I recommend this one.
June 26, 2010
Good reading and decent action/adventure during the Napoleonic era but romance was frustrating and very worldly.
February 28, 2012
The heroine in this one is quite a flirt!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews