Hugh

A Hero Without a Novel

This romp through eighteenth-century England is like nothing told in the era of Tom Jones—a sparkling, humorous, and poetical coming-of-age 242 years in the making.

From an old family trunk comes a manuscript which never saw the light of day. Its pages tell of the life, times, and blackmail of a young queer aristocrat stepping into 1768 Society . . .

A time of wig powder and heeled slippers. Duels and social climbers, when the most popular member of the government is declared an outlaw. Hugh Entwistle enters this world wealthy, witty, and well-connected. Everything to be a success—everything, except that thing stuck to the bottom of his heeled slipper.

Hugh's is a story of secret encounters and significant looks. Hushed separations and sobriquets. But if he dares define Liberty, he might be asked to confront a blackmailer. Asked to confront a father. And before he can make a marriage proposal, follow his heart, and accept one.

Hugh is a rollicking tale of comic angst, and a celebration of the wit, beauty, and absurdities of a glorious age.

Contains mature themes.

©2021 David Lawrence Johnson (P)2022 Tantor