The Fate of a Crown

First published under the pseudonym Schuyler Staunton, ‘The Fate of a Crown’ is one of L. Frank Baum’s early adventure stories aimed at an adult audience. Set in the revolutionary Brazil of 1889, young Robert Harcliffe takes up a job in Brazil as secretary for wealthy politician Dom Miguel de Pintra. Leader of the revolutionaries, Dom Miguel is plotting to overthrow the monarchy of Dom Pedro, and Harcliffe soon realises that is has entered into a dangerous world. Full of mystery, espionage, and intrigue, ‘The Fate of a Crown’ is a thrilling adventure story from the renowned author. Lyman Frank Baum (1856 – 1919) was a prolific and well-known American writer. He is best known for his famous series of modern fairy tales set in the imaginary land of Oz. The first of the books, ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ is widely considered to be the first true American fairy tale and was the basis for the hugely popular 1939 classic musical ‘The Wizard of Oz’ starring Judy Garland. Born and raised in New York, Baum held a range of jobs including as a poultry farmer, clerk, and storekeeper before pursuing his talent for writing at the age of 41. He wrote 14 novels in the Oz series, as well as over 40 other novels and over 80 short stories. He died in California in 1919.