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The Trampling Of The Lilies
The Trampling Of The Lilies is a historical novel written by Rafael Sabatini. The story is set in the late 18th century during the French Revolution. The main character is Andre-Louis Moreau, a young lawyer who becomes involved in the revolutionary movement. As the story progresses, Andre-Louis becomes increasingly radicalized and joins a group of rebels who are fighting against the aristocracy. He becomes a key figure in the revolution and uses his legal expertise to help the rebels achieve their goals. However, as the revolution becomes more violent and chaotic, Andre-Louis begins to question whether the ends justify the means. He must decide whether to continue fighting for the cause he believes in or to step back and reevaluate his beliefs. Throughout the novel, Sabatini explores themes of justice, morality, and the nature of revolution. The Trampling Of The Lilies is a gripping and thought-provoking read that offers a unique perspective on one of the most tumultuous periods in European history.When La Boulaye recovered consciousness he was lying on his back in the middle of the courtyard of the Chateau de Bellecour. From a great stone balcony above, a little group, of which Mademoiselle de Bellecour was the centre, observed the scene about the captive, who was being resuscitated that he might fittingly experience the Seigneur's vengeance.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
196 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1906
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About the author
Rafael Sabatini
667 books538 followersRafael Sabatini (1875 - 1950) was an Italian/British writer of novels of romance and adventure. At a young age, Rafael was exposed to many languages. By the time he was seventeen, he was the master of five languages. He quickly added a sixth language - English - to his linguistic collection. After a brief stint in the business world, Sabatini went to work as a writer. He wrote short stories in the 1890s, and his first novel came out in 1902. Sabatini was a prolific writer; he produced a new book approximately every year. He consciously chose to write in his adopted language, because, he said, "all the best stories are written in English. " In all, he produced thirty one novels, eight short story collections, six nonfiction books, numerous uncollected short stories, and a play. He is best known for his world-wide bestsellers: The Sea Hawk (1915), Scaramouche (1921), Captain Blood (1922) and Bellarion the Fortunate (1926). Other famous works by Sabatini are The Lion's Skin (1911), The Strolling Saint (1913) and The Snare (1917).
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 21, 2012
Rafael Sabatini (1875-1950) was one of the grand masters of the swashbuckling adventure tale. He was born in Italy but lived in England from the age of seventeen onwards and wrote all of his many books in English. The Trampling of the Lilies, published in 1906, is one of his early efforts.
Shortly before the outbreak of the French Revolution a man named La Boulaye is the secretary to the Marquis de Bellecour. La Boulaye has imbibed deeply of the poisonous philosophy of Jean Jacques Rousseau and is a revolutionary in the making.
La Boulaye is unfortunate enough to be in love with the marquis’ daughter Suzanne. Unfortunate, because such a love was impossible. Although he is an educated man La Boulaye’s birth was humble and the social gulf between such a man and the nobility was very wide indeed.
La Boulaye is unwise enough to declare his love. His reward is to be spurned by Suzanne and horsewhipped by her father. Later that day La Boulaye comes across a peasant wedding, and witnesses a scene that will have a momentous effect on both his own destiny and that of the family of de Bellecour. The marquis asserts his ancient right, the droit de seigneur, to take the virginity of the young bride. La Boulaye’s blood boils and he shoots one of the marquis’ servants and attempts to shoot the marquis himself. As a result the marquis orders that he be flogged to death.
He is flogged until he appears to be dead, and them Suzanne de Bellecour intervenes and stops the punishment. La Boulaye proves to be still alive and thanks to Suzanne he is able to flee. Suzanne’s feelings towards him are confused to say the least. She cannot possibly admit to herself that she might be in love with him. He is little better than a peasant and as such scarcely human. It is an unthinkable idea. She has all the prejudices of her class.
The action them jumps forward four years. It is 1793 and La Boulaye is a powerful man indeed. He is not only a Deputy, but also an intimate friend of Robespierre. His path will again cross with that of Suzanne de Bellecour, with momentous consequences. Despite their own best efforts their destinies are inextricably linked. Suzanne saved La Boulaye’s life once and he will have an opportunity to repay the debt, but at a frightful cost to himself.
Compared to his later books many of the characterisations in The Trampling of the Lilies are somewhat lacking in subtlety. With one notable exception the aristocrats are cruel and arrogant, little more than cardboard villains. To be fair to Sabatini, the revolutionaries are not much better. Surprisingly enough he seems rather sympathetic to Robespierre. How one can paint a sympathetic portrait of such a monster passes all human understanding, but there you have it. Sabatini seems uncertain as to his feelings about the Revolution. He is torn between his natural sympathy for the underdog and his horror at the way events turned out as France was turned into a butcher’s yard.
La Boulaye’s transformation from bloodthirsty revolutionary to romantic hero is not entirely convincing, unless you can accept the idea that love really does conquer all.
The evidence for the actual existence of the droit de seigneur is slight, but it became part of the popular imagination both in the 18th century and today. It was first publicised by Voltaire, who may well have invented the idea. It was a useful stick with which to beat the aristocracy. Sabatini’s sympathies are clearly not with the aristocracy so it’s perhaps not surprising that he makes use of this myth.
There’s not quite as much action as you’d expect in a Sabatini novel, but there is plenty of tension as La Boulaye struggles to find a way to save Suzanne from the guillotine.
Sabatini, even in this early novel, demonstrates his skills as a story-teller. Any adventure novel by this author is worth reading, and this is no exception.
Shortly before the outbreak of the French Revolution a man named La Boulaye is the secretary to the Marquis de Bellecour. La Boulaye has imbibed deeply of the poisonous philosophy of Jean Jacques Rousseau and is a revolutionary in the making.
La Boulaye is unfortunate enough to be in love with the marquis’ daughter Suzanne. Unfortunate, because such a love was impossible. Although he is an educated man La Boulaye’s birth was humble and the social gulf between such a man and the nobility was very wide indeed.
La Boulaye is unwise enough to declare his love. His reward is to be spurned by Suzanne and horsewhipped by her father. Later that day La Boulaye comes across a peasant wedding, and witnesses a scene that will have a momentous effect on both his own destiny and that of the family of de Bellecour. The marquis asserts his ancient right, the droit de seigneur, to take the virginity of the young bride. La Boulaye’s blood boils and he shoots one of the marquis’ servants and attempts to shoot the marquis himself. As a result the marquis orders that he be flogged to death.
He is flogged until he appears to be dead, and them Suzanne de Bellecour intervenes and stops the punishment. La Boulaye proves to be still alive and thanks to Suzanne he is able to flee. Suzanne’s feelings towards him are confused to say the least. She cannot possibly admit to herself that she might be in love with him. He is little better than a peasant and as such scarcely human. It is an unthinkable idea. She has all the prejudices of her class.
The action them jumps forward four years. It is 1793 and La Boulaye is a powerful man indeed. He is not only a Deputy, but also an intimate friend of Robespierre. His path will again cross with that of Suzanne de Bellecour, with momentous consequences. Despite their own best efforts their destinies are inextricably linked. Suzanne saved La Boulaye’s life once and he will have an opportunity to repay the debt, but at a frightful cost to himself.
Compared to his later books many of the characterisations in The Trampling of the Lilies are somewhat lacking in subtlety. With one notable exception the aristocrats are cruel and arrogant, little more than cardboard villains. To be fair to Sabatini, the revolutionaries are not much better. Surprisingly enough he seems rather sympathetic to Robespierre. How one can paint a sympathetic portrait of such a monster passes all human understanding, but there you have it. Sabatini seems uncertain as to his feelings about the Revolution. He is torn between his natural sympathy for the underdog and his horror at the way events turned out as France was turned into a butcher’s yard.
La Boulaye’s transformation from bloodthirsty revolutionary to romantic hero is not entirely convincing, unless you can accept the idea that love really does conquer all.
The evidence for the actual existence of the droit de seigneur is slight, but it became part of the popular imagination both in the 18th century and today. It was first publicised by Voltaire, who may well have invented the idea. It was a useful stick with which to beat the aristocracy. Sabatini’s sympathies are clearly not with the aristocracy so it’s perhaps not surprising that he makes use of this myth.
There’s not quite as much action as you’d expect in a Sabatini novel, but there is plenty of tension as La Boulaye struggles to find a way to save Suzanne from the guillotine.
Sabatini, even in this early novel, demonstrates his skills as a story-teller. Any adventure novel by this author is worth reading, and this is no exception.
June 12, 2011
Shortly after Caron La Boulaye shocks a young aristocratic woman with a profession of love, her father almost succeeds in having Caron killed. Four years later, France is in the middle of the revolution, Caron is a highly-placed politician, and the woman, Suzanne, needs the help of the man she once rejected.
My favorite aspect of this one is the French Revolution setting, it really added some great tension to the story. The plot has more intrigue than action, though. Things are a little too straightforward, and it was difficult for me to connect with the hero or buy into the romance. While it may not live up to Sabatini's later books, it was still worth reading.
My favorite aspect of this one is the French Revolution setting, it really added some great tension to the story. The plot has more intrigue than action, though. Things are a little too straightforward, and it was difficult for me to connect with the hero or buy into the romance. While it may not live up to Sabatini's later books, it was still worth reading.
December 8, 2016
This is one of Sabatini's weaker novels, and it didn't quite grab my heart and make me forget that quite like some others, such as Gates of Doom and Mistress Wilding, which are also weaker but gained five fully sentimental stars from me. Still an excellent historical fiction read, though.
Nothing can quite top Scaramouche in his works set in the French Revolution.
Nothing can quite top Scaramouche in his works set in the French Revolution.
June 20, 2012
Another good Sabatini. This one starts four years prior to the French Revolution and moves quickly to the Revolution itself. It follows a young revolutionary named La Boulaye. After almost dying at the hands of aristocrats, he teams with Robbespierre and heads off to Paris. This book is La Boulaye's story. As wi5h all Sabatini, it is a rousing ride through history where honor and love change the lives of our characters. The only only difference that I found in this once is that our hero, at times, La Boulaye is too good for his lady and I wanted him to dump her and go forward to lead a fabulous life in the Revolution. He could find another lady love. This, of course, does not happen.
This is the least bloodiest book about the French. Revolution that I have read, and I really enjoyed it. La Boulaye is one of the most human and unconflicted revolutionaries in literature and as such is a joy to read. It is not a typical swashbuckling book, but our hero is no less manly, heroic, or honorable than those swashbuckling types.
I would recommend this novel to those who love history as well as adventure. The twisty turny plot is of never ending interest. It is truly a thumping good read! I recommend it highly. Whether it's the romance, the honor, the chivalry, the fighting, the war, the revolution, the violence, the politics, the dishonesty, the cunning, the desperation, the master plans, the rhetoric, or the propaganda - it all seems to make the characters come alive, and the story hold together like the history that it was. Without the question of him dumping his love, this would have been a five star book. You can get this book for free from any major book store in e-book format, with an e-reader to match. It definitely worth it.
This is the least bloodiest book about the French. Revolution that I have read, and I really enjoyed it. La Boulaye is one of the most human and unconflicted revolutionaries in literature and as such is a joy to read. It is not a typical swashbuckling book, but our hero is no less manly, heroic, or honorable than those swashbuckling types.
I would recommend this novel to those who love history as well as adventure. The twisty turny plot is of never ending interest. It is truly a thumping good read! I recommend it highly. Whether it's the romance, the honor, the chivalry, the fighting, the war, the revolution, the violence, the politics, the dishonesty, the cunning, the desperation, the master plans, the rhetoric, or the propaganda - it all seems to make the characters come alive, and the story hold together like the history that it was. Without the question of him dumping his love, this would have been a five star book. You can get this book for free from any major book store in e-book format, with an e-reader to match. It definitely worth it.
December 17, 2020
Set in the early years of the French Revolution (from 1789-1793), this novel is a pretty standard Sabatini story.
Honorable but snarky and misunderstood hero. CHECK
A brave and beautiful heroine who spends at least half of the novel convinced he’s a the bad guy. CHECK
Bonus: her father is a monster who tries to kill the hero.
Handsome but treacherous and cowardly rival for her affections. CHECK
Hairsbreadth escapes. CHECK.
Prison break. CHECK.
Swordfight. Check. Surprisingly, only one.
Witty banter CHECKITY CHECK.
Crafty disguises. CHECK
Character mistaken for dead. CHECK.
Hero has to chose between honor and happiness. CHECK.
Quite readable but nothing special for those of you familiar with this author. 3 stars.
Honorable but snarky and misunderstood hero. CHECK
A brave and beautiful heroine who spends at least half of the novel convinced he’s a the bad guy. CHECK
Bonus: her father is a monster who tries to kill the hero.
Handsome but treacherous and cowardly rival for her affections. CHECK
Hairsbreadth escapes. CHECK.
Prison break. CHECK.
Swordfight. Check. Surprisingly, only one.
Witty banter CHECKITY CHECK.
Crafty disguises. CHECK
Character mistaken for dead. CHECK.
Hero has to chose between honor and happiness. CHECK.
Quite readable but nothing special for those of you familiar with this author. 3 stars.
August 8, 2011
Just finished The Trampling of the Lilies. This is another Sabatini look at the French Revolution. His focus in this story is the Frech aristocracy brough on their own downfall with they refusual to recognize the humanity of their fellow poorer coutrymen.
A unique feature of the book is that it has a sympathic protrayal of Robespierre. Which was something new for me. Suzanne, the heroine, so far is the most annoying heroine I have came across in reading Sabatini but, that is due to the nature of the story in showing how great was the snobbery of the french upper classes.
A unique feature of the book is that it has a sympathic protrayal of Robespierre. Which was something new for me. Suzanne, the heroine, so far is the most annoying heroine I have came across in reading Sabatini but, that is due to the nature of the story in showing how great was the snobbery of the french upper classes.
October 16, 2018
It is my 4th favourite after Captain Blood, Scaramouche and the Sea Hawk. I enjoyed the novel and the lead character caught up on a personal level as a bourgeoisie unacceptable as a suiter to his employer daughter, who becomes involved in the French Revolution and rises himself in the political class of post-revolutionary France.
I found this in my local library in the early 1980s and liked the story very much at the time.
I found this in my local library in the early 1980s and liked the story very much at the time.
September 10, 2023
This Sabatini novel is very much along the same lines as the (today better remembered) Baroness Orczy - a romantic thriller set during the French Revolution. Hugely dated, but a lot of fun.
March 18, 2021
This is the fourth time I have read this book. I would start at the beginning tomorrow, but I prefer to delay my delight!! I have never read a book by Rafael Sabatini that I didn't love, but this book and Mistress Wilding are my two favorites. Read slowly and savor the dialogue.
March 29, 2024
Caron la Boulaye is an avid student of Rousseau’s Discourses who earns his living as a secretary for the Marquise de Bellecour. In this subservient position, he ill-advisedly falls in love with his master’s daughter, Mademoiselle Suzanne de Bellecour, who true to her class, spurns his love. Not content with that, her father, on learning of this presumption, attacks poor Caron with a horsewhip, the only acceptable way to deal with such an upstart. Within a day, Caron further witnesses the arrogance and inhumanity of his erstwhile master as the Marquis demands his droit de seigneur of the bride of a young newlywed friend. La Boulaye rashly and unsuccessfully intervenes thus marking himself as one to be reckoned with. Set against the stirrings of the French Revolution, Sabatini spins his story giving us an unsparing look at aristocratic infamy as well as aristocratic honor. There are heroes and villains on both sides and both are presented as natural outcomes of their ancestry; sometimes trapped by it and other times released from it. Suzanne’s evolution provides the case in point. Citizen Robespierre plays a small but critical role. Delightful.
January 5, 2014
I will read pretty much anything by Sabatini once. I admire his style and diction,which I find to be an almost perfect blend of artistry and functionality. (Pretty remarkable considering English was his sixth language.)His stories vary widely in quality, however, and this one is one of his poorer showings. A very basic romance without much scope or depth, and (especially if you are familiar with his style) very predictable.
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April 17, 2013More adventure!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews