The Great Prince Shan

📘 About This Book

Edward Phillips Oppenheim (1866-1946), was an English novelist, in his lifetime a major and successful writer of genre fiction including thrillers. Featured on the cover of Time magazine in 1918, he was the self-styled "prince of storytellers. " He composed more than a hundred novels, mostly of the suspense and international intrigue nature, as well as romances, comedies, and parables of everyday life. Perhaps Oppenheim's most enduring creation is the character of General Besserley, the protagonist of General Besserley's Puzzle Box and General Besserley's New Puzzle Box (one of his last works). His work possesses a unique charm, featuring protagonists who delight in Epicurean meals, surroundings of intense luxury, and the relaxed pursuit of criminal practice, on either side of the law. His first novel was about England and Canada, called Expiation (1887); followed by such titles as The Betrayal (1904), The Avenger (1907), The Governors (1908), The Double Life of Mr. Alfred Burton (1913), An Amiable Charlatan (1915), The Black Box (1915), The Double Traitor (1915), The Cinema Murder (1917), The Box with Broken Seals (1919), The Devil's Paw (1920) and The Evil Shepherd (1922).

📖 Summary

The Great Prince Shan by E. Phillips Oppenheim brings readers back into the exhilarating world of international intrigue, suspense, and high-stakes diplomacy that defined the author's legendary literary career. Known during his lifetime as the self-styled prince of storytellers, Oppenheim was a master of genre fiction who crafted over a hundred novels exploring the shadowy corridors of power, espionage, and elite society. In this remarkable work, published anew in 2017, the author showcases his trademark ability to merge sweeping geopolitical tensions with the refined tastes and luxurious lifestyles of his characters. Set against a backdrop of global diplomacy and secret maneuverings, the narrative draws readers into a sophisticated web where the fate of nations rests on the decisions of extraordinary individuals. Oppenheim's distinct literary voice shines through every page, offering a delightful blend of suspenseful plotting and atmospheric charm. Characters in his universe often navigate the dangerous waters of international politics while indulging in Epicurean meals, inhabiting surroundings of intense luxury, and pursuing their objectives with a cool, calculated nonchalance that captivates the imagination. Whether exploring the gray areas of the law or operating in the highest circles of government, the figures populating this novel are unforgettable archetypes of classic thriller fiction. At 160 pages, this edition provides a punchy, highly readable excursion into Oppenheim's imaginative landscape, making it an accessible yet deeply engaging experience. The story reflects the author's fascination with the shifting global order of the early twentieth century, capturing the anxieties and ambitions of an era grappling with rapid modernization and political upheaval. Fans of classic suspense will find much to admire in the crisp pacing, clever dialogue, and intricate plotting that cemented Oppenheim's status as a titan of genre fiction. By combining the thrill of international espionage with the comforting aesthetics of high-society leisure, The Great Prince Shan remains a shining example of the escapist storytelling that made its creator a household name and earned him a historic cover feature on Time magazine.

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