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Doctor Nikola #2
Dr. Nikola Master Criminal
Elegant, ruthless, hypnotic: enter Dr Nikola and his black cat Apollyon. He was the world's first master villain, a Victorian forerunner of Dr Fu Manchu and the mad cat-stroking evil genius Blofeld in the James Bond books and films.
Here you will find his two greatest adventures, the vintage Victorian thrillers A Bid for Fortune (1895) and Dr Nikola (1896) in one breathless, pacy, nightmarish volume.
Here you will find his two greatest adventures, the vintage Victorian thrillers A Bid for Fortune (1895) and Dr Nikola (1896) in one breathless, pacy, nightmarish volume.
417 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1896
3 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Guy Newell Boothby
210 books13 followersGuy Newell Boothby was born in Adelaide, South Australia, the son of Thomas Wilde Boothby, a Member of the South Australian House of Assembly. At six years of age he travelled with his mother to England and was educated at Lord Weymouth's Grammar School, Salisbury and at Christ's Hospital, London between 1874 and 1883.
When his education was over he returned to Australia where he eventually became secretary to the Mayor of Adelaide, Lewis Cohen. He was dissatisfied with his prospects in Adelaide and consequently he moved to Brisbane where he hoped his prospects would be better.
In the meantime he wrote a series of comic operas and plays, all of which were relatively unsuccessful.
He was of a roving disposition and at age 24 he travelled across Australia from north to south and later he travelled extensively in the East.
By 1894 he had married Rose Alice Bristowe and he and his wife moved to England in that year, which was notable for the publication of his first book, 'On the Wallaby, or, Through the East and Across Australia', an account of his and his brother's travels in Australia.
He was given advice and encouragement in his writing by none other than Rudyard Kipling and the year 1895 saw the publication of three novels, the most significant of which was 'A Bid for Fortune: or, Dr Nikola's Vendetta'. This introduced probably his best known character, Dr Nikola, a ruthless, unscrupulous figure, with his ubiquitous large cat, who was to feature in five of his novels over the ensuing years. The book was an instant success and brought him a certain amount of fame. Dr Nikola had first appeared in serial form in the Windosr Magazine.
Over the next 10 years he was to write another 50 books and a further five were published posthumously, the last of which was 'In the Power of the Sultan' (1908). He was so prodigious that the story circulated that he spoke his tales into a phonograph, from which they were later transcribed by secretaries.
He is perhaps remembered also for introducing one of the early gentlemen crooks of literature when he featured Simon Carne in 'A Prince of Swindlers' in 1897. Carne had originally appeared in Pearson's Magazine and as a gentleman crook he pre-dated another of his kind in A J Raffles by two years.
Boothby's novels were often set in Australia (not surprisingly) and were classed as 'fast-paced thrillers' although some felt that although exciting in plot they were 'hastily and carelessly written'. In addition they were said to have been enjoyed by those who 'care for frank sensationalism carried to its furtherest limits'. Despite these comments his books were extremely popular and made him one of the most successful novelists of his day.
Boothby, who was also a successful breeder of prize dogs, died suddenly of pneumonia at his home, Winsley Lodge, Watkin Road, Bournemouth in 1905. He left a widow and three children.
Gerry Wolstenholme
February 2012
When his education was over he returned to Australia where he eventually became secretary to the Mayor of Adelaide, Lewis Cohen. He was dissatisfied with his prospects in Adelaide and consequently he moved to Brisbane where he hoped his prospects would be better.
In the meantime he wrote a series of comic operas and plays, all of which were relatively unsuccessful.
He was of a roving disposition and at age 24 he travelled across Australia from north to south and later he travelled extensively in the East.
By 1894 he had married Rose Alice Bristowe and he and his wife moved to England in that year, which was notable for the publication of his first book, 'On the Wallaby, or, Through the East and Across Australia', an account of his and his brother's travels in Australia.
He was given advice and encouragement in his writing by none other than Rudyard Kipling and the year 1895 saw the publication of three novels, the most significant of which was 'A Bid for Fortune: or, Dr Nikola's Vendetta'. This introduced probably his best known character, Dr Nikola, a ruthless, unscrupulous figure, with his ubiquitous large cat, who was to feature in five of his novels over the ensuing years. The book was an instant success and brought him a certain amount of fame. Dr Nikola had first appeared in serial form in the Windosr Magazine.
Over the next 10 years he was to write another 50 books and a further five were published posthumously, the last of which was 'In the Power of the Sultan' (1908). He was so prodigious that the story circulated that he spoke his tales into a phonograph, from which they were later transcribed by secretaries.
He is perhaps remembered also for introducing one of the early gentlemen crooks of literature when he featured Simon Carne in 'A Prince of Swindlers' in 1897. Carne had originally appeared in Pearson's Magazine and as a gentleman crook he pre-dated another of his kind in A J Raffles by two years.
Boothby's novels were often set in Australia (not surprisingly) and were classed as 'fast-paced thrillers' although some felt that although exciting in plot they were 'hastily and carelessly written'. In addition they were said to have been enjoyed by those who 'care for frank sensationalism carried to its furtherest limits'. Despite these comments his books were extremely popular and made him one of the most successful novelists of his day.
Boothby, who was also a successful breeder of prize dogs, died suddenly of pneumonia at his home, Winsley Lodge, Watkin Road, Bournemouth in 1905. He left a widow and three children.
Gerry Wolstenholme
February 2012
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April 12, 2012The first novel here, 'A Bid For Fortune', is pretty dull. Some Victorian plum gets involved in various adventures while trying to make his way in the world, including interminable scenes of terribly prim and proper 'romance' which make Jane Austen look racy. The only interesting scenes are those where the diabolical mesmerist Dr Nikola gets in said plum's way. Boothby was obviously smart enough to realise that he'd found a nugget of gold in his dross, so the next novel was 'Dr Nikola' - narrated by a near-identical plum who is at least teamed up with Nikola. Who, like Harry Lime after him, becomes suddenly less villainous as soon as he's the lead, although to modern sensibilities the fact that his grand scheme involves spending half the book pretending to be a Chinaman might still be thought a little off.
February 13, 2023
Un romanzo che non si riesce a posare. Letto di filato, mi ha strapazzato per mezza asia, ipnotizzato anche io dalle avventure dei protagonisti come le vittime del dottor Nikola stesso.
Ancora una volta un grazie alla Cliquot per questa perla.
Ancora una volta un grazie alla Cliquot per questa perla.
August 13, 2011
A set of two innocent, adventure stories of the era that are not taxing to read. I enjoyed these, although it seems more so than other reviewers. Written in the 1800’s they are a product of their time and some people used to more modern adventure/supernatural stories (Twilight etc) will probably find them boring. But for me it is because of that, that they are interesting. At the time foreign travel was not so prevalent which is why books such as this often included foreign travel to far flung destinations in their narrative, the mysticism of the East etc. This only added to the mystery of the story at the time but can be lost when reading today so it is important to remember that. But elements of supernatural mystery still come across in them today. Also there are racist comments in the book which also need to be accepted in the context they were originally written.
Dr Nikola is a very interesting and spooky character, you are never sure of the lengths to which he will go and the evil he is truly capable of. (The cover is completely mis-representative, he is not small, chubby and old but is in his mid thirties, tall, thin, has pale skin and jet black hair and eyes that seem as if they can bear right into your soul)
The two stories are chosen well for the book. The events of the first (A Bid for Fortune) run into the events of the second (Dr Nikola) so there is continuity. Also the stance taken on both stories is completely different. In the first the protagonist gets caught up with people that Nikola is after and ends up being pursued by him himself. In the second story the protagonist is actually recruited and works alongside Nikola as a partner, which shows a more personal side to Nikola. I prefer the first since Dr Nikola was, to me, more menacing when he was out of the picture more, when he showed up to thwart the protagonist's plans, when you didn't know exactly what he was planning or what you were up against but that you knew he was pulling the strings eveywhere with his supernatural powers and that any encounter with him would put you in mortal danger. He also would show up at opportune moments making you suspect he was having you watched or that he was using his powers to see where you were etc. In the first story he burned with smouldering menace in the background and you never knew who you could trust or who was working for him. His magical powers of hypnotism etc were also more menacing because when used against the protagonist it was to claim power over him , not to try to persuade him of the merits of the mission he wanted help with, like in the second story. It was interesting in the second story to work alongside Nikola as a companion but for me it diminished the menacing illusion of him. His powers seemed less threatening. He could still do evil supernatural things and the threat to traitors still came across along with the knowledge that you would come off the worse if you crossed him but that was about it. I think my ideal Nikola story would have him feature a bit more than in the first but have the protagonist working against him so Nikola’s true menace and darkness could be demonstrated. It was difficult to maintain the fact that the Nikola of the first story was the same Nikola of the second.
These stories are good adventurous mysteries, they have twists and turns and are not too taxing but are pleasant to read. Events move onto events and there is quite a bit in them, there are not drawn out moments of rest and there are also sweet moments of romance as well as a little humour. Boothby also creates atmosphere and environments well. I look forward to reading the other Dr Nikola stories.
Dr Nikola is a very interesting and spooky character, you are never sure of the lengths to which he will go and the evil he is truly capable of. (The cover is completely mis-representative, he is not small, chubby and old but is in his mid thirties, tall, thin, has pale skin and jet black hair and eyes that seem as if they can bear right into your soul)
The two stories are chosen well for the book. The events of the first (A Bid for Fortune) run into the events of the second (Dr Nikola) so there is continuity. Also the stance taken on both stories is completely different. In the first the protagonist gets caught up with people that Nikola is after and ends up being pursued by him himself. In the second story the protagonist is actually recruited and works alongside Nikola as a partner, which shows a more personal side to Nikola. I prefer the first since Dr Nikola was, to me, more menacing when he was out of the picture more, when he showed up to thwart the protagonist's plans, when you didn't know exactly what he was planning or what you were up against but that you knew he was pulling the strings eveywhere with his supernatural powers and that any encounter with him would put you in mortal danger. He also would show up at opportune moments making you suspect he was having you watched or that he was using his powers to see where you were etc. In the first story he burned with smouldering menace in the background and you never knew who you could trust or who was working for him. His magical powers of hypnotism etc were also more menacing because when used against the protagonist it was to claim power over him , not to try to persuade him of the merits of the mission he wanted help with, like in the second story. It was interesting in the second story to work alongside Nikola as a companion but for me it diminished the menacing illusion of him. His powers seemed less threatening. He could still do evil supernatural things and the threat to traitors still came across along with the knowledge that you would come off the worse if you crossed him but that was about it. I think my ideal Nikola story would have him feature a bit more than in the first but have the protagonist working against him so Nikola’s true menace and darkness could be demonstrated. It was difficult to maintain the fact that the Nikola of the first story was the same Nikola of the second.
These stories are good adventurous mysteries, they have twists and turns and are not too taxing but are pleasant to read. Events move onto events and there is quite a bit in them, there are not drawn out moments of rest and there are also sweet moments of romance as well as a little humour. Boothby also creates atmosphere and environments well. I look forward to reading the other Dr Nikola stories.
January 8, 2023
Non conoscevo questo autore (amico di Kipling, e contemporaneo di Salgari e di Verne) e ho trovato questa storia di avventura (ambientata in Asia) molto interessante e godibile. Non so quanto ci sia del traduttore per il lessico e lo stile (a tratti mi sembra un po' moderno per essere un'opera di un secolo fa) ma direi che sia un romanzo assolutamente da consigliare (SE vi piace genere e ambientazione)
June 30, 2015
This is my first Guy Boothby, an author I had never heard of before finding this in a pound shop for, you guessed it, a pound, and being nothing if not a spotter of bargains, picked it up.
This volume actually contains the first 2 Dr Nikola books, and while the 1st (A Bid For Fortune) is a fun enough little romp; which makes zero sense if you think about it for more than a minute and is no friend to the hater of coincidence; it is the 2nd (Dr Nikola) that forms the real meat of the piece. Which is not to say, I hasten to add, that it contains any fewer incidences of appalling coincidence; they're just moderately better disguised. He'd had an extra year or so to practise his art by that time after all.
The only caveat I'd offer to a wholehearted thumbs-up to these books as uncomplicated fun, is that they were written in the late 1800's with all that that entails in terms of social attitudes. So if you're going to struggle with a woman in her 20's being unable to marry the man she loves unless her brother in law; by virtue of being her closest male relative; gives his blessing, or with a central protagonist who is; while presented as a square jawed everyman hero; someone who today would be villified as an apalling racist, then this may not be for you.
Seriously, the things he says about the Chinese!
This volume actually contains the first 2 Dr Nikola books, and while the 1st (A Bid For Fortune) is a fun enough little romp; which makes zero sense if you think about it for more than a minute and is no friend to the hater of coincidence; it is the 2nd (Dr Nikola) that forms the real meat of the piece. Which is not to say, I hasten to add, that it contains any fewer incidences of appalling coincidence; they're just moderately better disguised. He'd had an extra year or so to practise his art by that time after all.
The only caveat I'd offer to a wholehearted thumbs-up to these books as uncomplicated fun, is that they were written in the late 1800's with all that that entails in terms of social attitudes. So if you're going to struggle with a woman in her 20's being unable to marry the man she loves unless her brother in law; by virtue of being her closest male relative; gives his blessing, or with a central protagonist who is; while presented as a square jawed everyman hero; someone who today would be villified as an apalling racist, then this may not be for you.
Seriously, the things he says about the Chinese!
October 23, 2015
Le Docteur Nikola est un roman datant de la fin du 19ième siècle aujourd'hui réédité chez Phébus dans la collection Libretto. C'est un roman d'aventure mettant en scène - comme son titre l'indique - l'intriguant docteur Nikola. L'originalité de ce récit tient au fait que les intentions de cet occultiste ne sont, a priori, pas de sauver le monde ... L'intrigue se déroule dans la Chine coloniale où le docteur se met en quête de pouvoirs spéciaux détenus par des moines. Pour y parvenir, il va user de toute son intelligence, de sa ruse ainsi que de sa science de l'hypnose. Un peu à la manière des aventures de Sherlock Holmes, les événements sont racontés par Wilfred Bruce, le Watson du Dr. Nikola.
Ce roman a vieilli - dommage car les thèmes qu'il exploite devaient être novateurs pour l'époque - et l'on s'ennuie un peu à suivre ces aventures aux multiples rebondissements. Cependant, l'étrange personnalité du docteur et le côté magie et étrange du récit confèrent un certain charme à cette oeuvre qui plaira certainement aux plus jeunes. http://www.aubonroman.com/2010/07/doc...
Ce roman a vieilli - dommage car les thèmes qu'il exploite devaient être novateurs pour l'époque - et l'on s'ennuie un peu à suivre ces aventures aux multiples rebondissements. Cependant, l'étrange personnalité du docteur et le côté magie et étrange du récit confèrent un certain charme à cette oeuvre qui plaira certainement aux plus jeunes. http://www.aubonroman.com/2010/07/doc...
August 12, 2014
Very much books of their time, full of the mysteries of the Orient, evil Chinamen etc. Much will appear objectionable to 21st century sensibilities but the books must be read taking account of when they were written. The author appears never to have been to China or to know much about local customs. In the second book he has the protagonists travelling on foot and by pony from Peking (sic) to Thibet (sic) in little over a week. Many Buddhist monks are portrayed as dastardly cut throats. There is very little of the supernatural and difficulties encountered are overcome very easily. Think very watered down Indiana Jones. About the character of the eponymous Dr Nikola, I was ambivalent. Is he intended to be a goodie or baddie? I'm not sure that the author had really made up his mind. Read the books as period pieces and be amused by much of the quaintness and how the world has changed since they were written.
September 18, 2010
Interesting book.
Its old, first published in 1896, and unfortunately it feels like it. The narrative is antiquated and a little too predictable for my taste. For the most part the book probably deserves a 2, but I am giving it a 3 because of one scene near the end of the book where the hero of the story is about to be washed over a waterfall – I am not afraid of heights, but I do have a healthy respect for the sudden stop that can happen if you fall, and the narrative literally caused a tingle in certain male parts as they shrank at the thought of the drop in the freezing water to certain death. If you can cause a physical reaction with just words, well bravo! I will have to give a star just for that.
But as for the rest, well I am not sure it was worth my time to read it just to get to that one good scene.
Its old, first published in 1896, and unfortunately it feels like it. The narrative is antiquated and a little too predictable for my taste. For the most part the book probably deserves a 2, but I am giving it a 3 because of one scene near the end of the book where the hero of the story is about to be washed over a waterfall – I am not afraid of heights, but I do have a healthy respect for the sudden stop that can happen if you fall, and the narrative literally caused a tingle in certain male parts as they shrank at the thought of the drop in the freezing water to certain death. If you can cause a physical reaction with just words, well bravo! I will have to give a star just for that.
But as for the rest, well I am not sure it was worth my time to read it just to get to that one good scene.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2009
(This volume contains 'A Bid For Fortune', which I reviewed a few weeks back, and 'Dr Nikola' which I am tackling here)
In my last review of a Dr Nikola story I expressed disappointment that Dr Nikola was not the central figure of the piece, with that role taken by a bog standard hero. This volume is closer to what I wanted, with the main narrator working in tandem with Nikola all the way through. However this narrator is never corrupted by this evil doctor’s presence and remains a decent man throughout. As a consequence Nikola’s actions come across as not evil, more those of an unscrupulous adventurer. Which is not quite what I anticipated.
Still it’s good fun (even if the racial politics are very much of their time) and an exciting read.
In my last review of a Dr Nikola story I expressed disappointment that Dr Nikola was not the central figure of the piece, with that role taken by a bog standard hero. This volume is closer to what I wanted, with the main narrator working in tandem with Nikola all the way through. However this narrator is never corrupted by this evil doctor’s presence and remains a decent man throughout. As a consequence Nikola’s actions come across as not evil, more those of an unscrupulous adventurer. Which is not quite what I anticipated.
Still it’s good fun (even if the racial politics are very much of their time) and an exciting read.
March 22, 2016
This edition contains probably the two best Dr. Nikola stories, A Bid For Fortune and the best of the lot Dr. Nikola, wherin our hero/villain travels in disguise to Tibet as always seeking secrets that will lead him to his goal of immortality.
These books are typical of their era in many respects, bland hero flings copious ammounts of woo at a virtuous and flawless beauty before winning out in the end, because virtue always trumps villainy. But Dr.Nikola bucks that trend in many ways, he's the villain shoved centre stage and you can't help but root for him. All this aside, the story that bears his name is a rattling good yarn, old fashioned but still exciting and it had me not exactly on the edge of m seat but near enough to go out and hunt down the rest of the Nikola stories.
These books are typical of their era in many respects, bland hero flings copious ammounts of woo at a virtuous and flawless beauty before winning out in the end, because virtue always trumps villainy. But Dr.Nikola bucks that trend in many ways, he's the villain shoved centre stage and you can't help but root for him. All this aside, the story that bears his name is a rattling good yarn, old fashioned but still exciting and it had me not exactly on the edge of m seat but near enough to go out and hunt down the rest of the Nikola stories.
July 9, 2015
I was a disappointed with this book, it is so much like other books I had read and felt there wasn't much there to keep you interested.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews