Durandal

Read Durandal Storyline:

Durandal is a forgotten treasure; a classic of the pulp
fiction era and a progenitor of the modern heroic fantasy genre. A dark
and dramatic epic set in the thirteenth century, it's complex, original,
and written in a vivid, cinematic style by a master craftsman. It's no
surprise to discover that movie director Cecil B. de Mille recognized
Lamb's talents and employed him as technical advisor and screenwriter
for several de Mille productions.Sir Hugh of Taranto is an
idealistic young knight, part of a contingent of Frankish Crusaders
supporting the Byzantine Emperor Theodore Lascaris against Islamic
Turkish forces at Antioch. During the battle the Franks are callously
betrayed by their allies. Only one survives slaughter by the Turks: Sir
Hugh, saved from certain death by a mysterious warrior who bequeaths him
Durandal, the legendary sword once owned by Charlemagne's paladin,
Roland.Vowing vengeance for his comrades and pursued by Imperial
agents who want no living witnesses to the Emperor's perfidy, Sir Hugh's
twisting and turning path leads him ever further East, through Syria
and Persia into the Caucasus, where he is captured by Mongol tribesmen,
outriders of Genghis Khan's army.This is pure high adventure,
full of action and intrigue, ringing with battle cries and clashing
swords, and clearly in the tradition of nineteenth century authors like
H. Rider Haggard, Sir Walter Scott and William Morris. It's no
simplistic "Boy's Own" tale, though. There are no cardboard cutout
villains inspired by xenophobia. The few women who appear are strong
personalities, confident in their female power. Believable characters
and settings both exotic yet realistic reflect Harold Lamb's extensive
knowledge about the period and the peoples and places featured in Durandal.In
this more cynical age it's refreshing to read a story which unashamedly
celebrates the virtues of honor, duty and loyalty, not confined to any
one race or religion, and comradeship which transcends all cultural
barriers. (1931, 370 pages)Note: The rare 1931 edition of Durandal consists of three
novellas first published in "Adventure" magazine, linked by additional
short stories into a complete tale. This 1931 edition is the only one
which contains all the original material. The 1981 edition from
publisher Donald M. Grant (beautifully illustrated by Alicia Austin and
George Barr; see cover art above) includes only the first part of the
1931 novel. The sequel, Sea of Ravens, about Hugh's adventures in the East, was published separately in 1983.