A Golden Argosy by Fred M. White

Name: A Golden Argosy
Author: Fred M. White

The novel follows the story of two young men, John and Arthur, who are sent to the South of France to recover a valuable painting that was stolen from their family. The painting is said to be worth a fortune, and the two men are determined to get it back. The two men soon find themselves in a world of intrigue and danger as they try to track down the painting. Along the way, they meet a variety of characters, including a mysterious woman who may be connected to the theft. As they get closer to the painting, they discover a secret that could change their lives forever. The novel is a thrilling adventure story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. It is a classic example of the Victorian era adventure novel, and is sure to delight readers of all ages.

By Fred M. White · First published 1886 · Genre: Adventure Fiction, Romance Fiction, Historical Fiction · 14 chapters · 30,880 words

First lines

Eleven o'clock! Before the vibration of the nearest chimes had died away, the rain--which had long been threatening over London--poured down for some five minutes in a fierce gust, and then, as if exhausted by its efforts, subsided into a steady drizzle. The waves of light, cast on the glistening pavement from the gas lamps flickering in the wind, shone on the stones; but the unstable shadows were cast back by the stronger, refulgence of the electric light at Covent Garden. Back into the gathered mist of Long Acre the pallid gleam receded; while, on the opposite side, the darkness of Russell Street seemed darker still. By Tavistock Street was a gin-shop, whose gilded front, points of flame, and dazzling glass seemed to smile a smile of crafty welcome to the wayfarer. A few yards away from the knot of loafers clustering with hungry eyes round the door, stood a woman. There were others of her sex close by, but not like her, and though her dress was poor and dilapidated to the last degree, the others saw instinctively she was not as they. She was young, presumably not more than five-and-twenty years, and on her face she bore the shadow of great care. Gazing, half sullenly, half wistfully, into the temptingly arrayed window, her profile strongly marked by the great blaze of light farther up the street, the proud carriage of the head formed a painful contrast to her scanty garb and sorrow-stricken face. She was a handsome, poorly dressed woman, with a haughty bearing, a look of ever-present care, and she had twopence in her pocket.

What this Textopian page supports

A Golden Argosy is listed on Textopian as a novel by Fred M. White, dated 1886 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Fred M. White
Date: 1886 CE
Language: English
Genres: Adventure Fiction, Romance Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery Fiction
Length: 30,880 words
Structure: 14 chapters, 705 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Work identity for A Golden Argosy by Fred M. White
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering A Golden Argosy?
How does this novel by Fred M. White fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Adventure Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Adventure Fiction — The title of the book, 'A Golden Argosy', implies a journey of exploration and discovery, which is a common theme in adventure fiction.
Romance Fiction — The author, Fred M. White, is known for writing romantic fiction, so this book is likely to contain elements of romance.
Historical Fiction — Fred M. White often wrote stories set in the past, so this book may contain elements of historical fiction.
Mystery Fiction — The title of the book implies a sense of mystery and intrigue, which is a common theme in mystery fiction.