The White Company
The narrative follows Alleyne Edricson, a young man raised in the cloistered environment of Beaulieu Abbey, as he embarks on a journey into the world after being released from monastic life. His departure is marked by a sense of uncertainty and a longing for adventure, as he grapples with the teachings of the monks and the realities of the outside world. Alleyne's journey leads him to encounter various characters, including Hordle John, a robust and rebellious novice monk, and Sam Aylward, a seasoned archer. Together, they form a bond as they navigate the complexities of life, love, and conflict. Alleyne's initial naivety is challenged as he witnesses the harsh realities of human nature, including violence, betrayal, and the struggles of the common folk against the oppressive nobility. The story unfolds against the backdrop of medieval England, with themes of chivalry, honor, and the class struggles of the time. Alleyne's interactions with a fierce noblewoman, Lady Maude, and his brother, the Socman of Minstead, further complicate his understanding of loyalty and family ties. The tension between the classes is palpable, as Alleyne's brother embodies the harshness of the feudal system, while Alleyne seeks to reconcile his noble heritage with his desire for justice and compassion. As the narrative progresses, Alleyne is drawn into the world of the White Company, a band of mercenaries led by the valiant Sir Nigel Loring. The camaraderie among the soldiers contrasts sharply with the treachery and greed of the nobility, highlighting the complexities of loyalty and honor in a world rife with conflict. Alleyne's journey becomes one of self-discovery, as he learns to navigate the challenges of war, friendship, and the moral dilemmas that arise in a society divided by class and ambition. Ultimately, the story explores the themes of identity, belonging, and the quest for purpose in a world where the lines between right and wrong are often blurred. Alleyne's evolution from a sheltered monk to a man of action reflects the broader struggles of individuals seeking their place in a tumultuous and ever-changing society. The narrative culminates in a series of battles and personal confrontations that test Alleyne's resolve and shape his understanding of what it means to be a true knight in a world filled with both glory and despair.
By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1891 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance · 38 chapters · 178,592 words
First lines
The great bell of Beaulieu was ringing. Far away through the forest might be heard its musical clangor and swell. Peat-cutters on Blackdown and fishers upon the Exe heard the distant throbbing rising and falling upon the sultry summer air. It was a common sound in those parts -- as common as the chatter of the jays and the booming of the bittern. Yet the fishers and the peasants raised their heads and looked questions at each other, for the angelus had already gone and vespers was still far off. Why should the great bell of Beaulieu toll when the shadows were neither short nor long?
What this Textopian page supports
The White Company is listed on Textopian as a novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1891 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- Date: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance, Fantasy, War Fiction
- Length: 178,592 words
- Structure: 38 chapters, 2,465 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The White Company by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The White Company?
- How does this novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in the 14th century and incorporates historical events and figures.
- Adventure — The plot follows a group of characters on a quest filled with action and exploration.
- Romance — Themes of love and relationships are woven throughout the story.
- Fantasy — Elements of chivalry and mythical undertones are present, typical of the genre.
Tags
historical fiction · adventure · medieval · knights · chivalry · England · war · loyalty · friendship · romance · mystery · action
Contents
- How the Black Sheep Came Forth from the Fold
- How Alleyne Edricson Came out into the World
- How Hordle John Cozened the Fuller of Lymington
- How the Bailiff of Southampton Slew the Two Masterless Men
- How a Strange Company Gathered at the Pied Merlin
- How Samkin Aylward Wagered his Featherbed
- How the Three Comrades Journeyed through the Woodlands
- The Three Friends
- How Strange Things Befell in Minstead Wood
- How Hordle John Found a Man whom he Might Follow
- How a Young Shepherd had a Perilous Flock
- How Alleyne Learned more than he Could Teach
- How the White Company Set Forth to the Wars
- How Sir Nigel Sought for a Wayside Venture
- How the Yellow Cog Sailed Forth from Lepe
- How the Yellow Cog Fought the Two Rover Galleys
- How the Yellow Cog Crossed the Bar of Gironde
- How Sir Nigel Loring Put a Patch Upon his Eye
- How there was Stir at the Abbey of St. Andrew'S
- How Alleyne won his Place in an Honorable Guild
- How Agostino Pisano Risked his Head
- How the Bowmen Held Wassail at the Rose De Guienne
- How England Held the Lists at Bordeaux
- How a Champion Came Forth from the East
- How Sir Nigel Wrote to Twynham Castle
- How the Three Comrades Gained a Mighty Treasure
- How Roger Clubfoot was Passed into Paradise
- How the Comrades Came over the Marches of France
- How the Blessed Hour of Sight Came to the Lady Tiphaine
- How the Brushwood Men Came to the Château of Villefranche
- How Five Men Held the Keep of Villefranche
- How the Company Took Counsel Round the Fallen Tree
- How the Army Made the Passage of Roncesvalles
- How the Company Made Sport in the Vale of Pampeluna
- How Sir Nigel Hawked at an Eagle
- How Sir Nigel Took the Patch from his Eye
- How the White Company Came to be Disbanded
- Of the Homecoming to Hampshire
More by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- The Parish Magazine (1914)
- The Great Brown-Pericord Motor (1914)
- The Holocaust of Manor Place (1901)
- The Debatable Case of Mrs. Emsley (1901)
- The Love Affair of George Vincent Parker (1901)
- The Disintegration Machine (1927)
- The Bully of Brocas Court (1914)
- The Brown Hand (1914)
- All works by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle