Flashman and the Dragon: A Swashbuckling Adventure Novel by George Macdonald Fraser

Flashman and the Dragon

by George MacDonald Fraser

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	798 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	324 pages

FREE

Flashman and the Dragon is a historical adventure novel by George Macdonald Fraser, first published in 1985. It is the ninth book in the Flashman Papers series, and it follows the adventures of Harry Flashman, a cowardly and self-serving British officer, during the Second Schleswig War of 1864.

Plot

The novel begins with Flashman being assigned to the staff of General Sir Garnet Wolseley, who is in command of the British force sent to support the Danes in their war against Prussia and Austria. Flashman is initially excited about the prospect of seeing action, but he soon realizes that the war is not going well for the Danes.

Flashman's luck changes when he is captured by the Prussians. He is taken to the headquarters of Otto von Bismarck, the Prussian chancellor, who offers him a deal: Flashman will be released if he agrees to spy on the British for Bismarck. Flashman reluctantly agrees, and he is sent back to the British lines.

Flashman uses his position to gather intelligence for Bismarck, but he also finds himself becoming increasingly sympathetic to the Prussian cause. He begins to question his own loyalty to the British, and he eventually decides to betray them by providing Bismarck with information about the British plans.

Flashman's treachery leads to the defeat of the British at the Battle of Dybbøl. The British are forced to withdraw from Denmark, and Flashman is once again on the run. He flees to Japan, where he becomes involved in a plot to assassinate the emperor.

Flashman's luck finally runs out when he is caught by the Japanese authorities. He is sentenced to death, but he is eventually pardoned and allowed to return to England.

Characters

• Harry Flashman: A cowardly and self-serving British officer who is the protagonist of the novel.
• General Sir Garnet Wolseley: The commander of the British force sent to support the Danes in the Second Schleswig War.
• Otto von Bismarck: The Prussian chancellor who offers Flashman a deal to spy on the British.
• Emperor Meiji: The emperor of Japan who is the target of an assassination plot.

Themes

Flashman and the Dragon explores a number of themes, including:

• The nature of heroism and cowardice
• The importance of loyalty
• The futility of war
• The clash between East and West

Reception

Flashman and the Dragon was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its humor, adventure, and historical accuracy. The novel has been translated into more than 20 languages and has been adapted for television and radio.

Legacy

Flashman and the Dragon is considered to be one of the best historical adventure novels ever written. It has been praised for its wit, its action, and its insights into human nature. The novel has also been credited with inspiring a number of other historical adventure novels, including the Sharpe series by Bernard Cornwell.

Flashman and the Dragon is a gripping tale of adventure, intrigue, and historical fiction. It is a must-read for fans of the Flashman Papers series and for anyone who enjoys a good historical adventure.

Flashman and the Dragon

by George MacDonald Fraser

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	798 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	324 pages

FREE