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The Little Duke
This is a reproduction of the original artefact. Generally these books are created from careful scans of the original. This allows us to preserve the book accurately and present it in the way the author intended. Since the original versions are generally quite old, there may occasionally be certain imperfections within these reproductions. We're happy to make these classics available again for future generations to enjoy!
96 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1854
About the author
Charlotte Mary Yonge
604 books56 followersCharlotte Mary Yonge was an English novelist, known for her huge output, now mostly out of print.
She began writing in 1848, and published during her long life about 160 works, chiefly novels. Her first commercial success, The Heir of Redclyffe (1853), provided the funding to enable the schooner Southern Cross to be put into service on behalf of George Selwyn. Similar charitable works were done with the profits from later novels. Yonge was also a founder and editor for forty years of The Monthly Packet, a magazine (founded in 1851) with a varied readership, but targeted at British Anglican girls (in later years it was addressed to a somewhat wider readership).
Among the best known of her works are The Heir of Redclyffe, Heartsease, and The Daisy Chain. A Book of Golden Deeds is a collection of true stories of courage and self-sacrifice. She also wrote Cameos from English History, Life of John Coleridge Patteson: Missionary Bishop of the Melanesian Islands and Hannah More. Her History of Christian Names was described as "the first serious attempt at tackling the subject" and as the standard work on names in the preface to the first edition of Withycombe's The Oxford Dictionary of English Christian Names, 1944.
Her personal example and influence on her god-daughter, Alice Mary Coleridge, played a formative role in Coleridge's zeal for women's education and thus, indirectly, led to the foundation of Abbots Bromley School for Girls.
After her death, her friend, assistant and collaborator, Christabel Coleridge, published the biographical Charlotte Mary Yonge: her Life and Letters (1903).
-Wikipedia
The Charlotte Mary Yonge Fellowship, a website with lots of information.
See Charlotte's character page for books about her.
She began writing in 1848, and published during her long life about 160 works, chiefly novels. Her first commercial success, The Heir of Redclyffe (1853), provided the funding to enable the schooner Southern Cross to be put into service on behalf of George Selwyn. Similar charitable works were done with the profits from later novels. Yonge was also a founder and editor for forty years of The Monthly Packet, a magazine (founded in 1851) with a varied readership, but targeted at British Anglican girls (in later years it was addressed to a somewhat wider readership).
Among the best known of her works are The Heir of Redclyffe, Heartsease, and The Daisy Chain. A Book of Golden Deeds is a collection of true stories of courage and self-sacrifice. She also wrote Cameos from English History, Life of John Coleridge Patteson: Missionary Bishop of the Melanesian Islands and Hannah More. Her History of Christian Names was described as "the first serious attempt at tackling the subject" and as the standard work on names in the preface to the first edition of Withycombe's The Oxford Dictionary of English Christian Names, 1944.
Her personal example and influence on her god-daughter, Alice Mary Coleridge, played a formative role in Coleridge's zeal for women's education and thus, indirectly, led to the foundation of Abbots Bromley School for Girls.
After her death, her friend, assistant and collaborator, Christabel Coleridge, published the biographical Charlotte Mary Yonge: her Life and Letters (1903).
-Wikipedia
The Charlotte Mary Yonge Fellowship, a website with lots of information.
See Charlotte's character page for books about her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
March 30, 2020
Really couldn't wait for for this book to end. Parts of it were enjoyable but mostly I found it to be a colossal bore. 😴
March 8, 2023
"I have been driven hither and thither, in fear of my life, till I thought of the renown of Duke Richard, as not merely the most fearless, but the most merciful of Princes." said Arnulf of Flanders.
This was a read-aloud for school. It covers the life of Richard the Fearless of Rouen, from 943 - his death in 996. It is a rich story that tells of his young self-centered pride and how he matures, with the help of many mentors. It goes into wrong deeds done to him and done to others that shape him into a thoughtful and kind young man. His father William the Longsword was wrongfully killed and he was made a Duke as a young child. It tells of his adventures, his capture by King Louis IV of France, his mistreatment and his escape back to his home and the years of his rule. It is a beautifully told story.
I loved that his Fru Astrida told him epic Viking Tales and how he learned to rule with authority but also kindness and mercy. This is all based on fact, yet Charlotte Yonge breathes life to it in a way that yonge ;) or old there is something to feed your heart and soul. The boys loved this book and asked me to read it outside of school time. They were even brought to tears at the mistreatment of an innocent animal. A living book indeed.
2023: 2nd time reading loved it just a bit more than last time.
This was a read-aloud for school. It covers the life of Richard the Fearless of Rouen, from 943 - his death in 996. It is a rich story that tells of his young self-centered pride and how he matures, with the help of many mentors. It goes into wrong deeds done to him and done to others that shape him into a thoughtful and kind young man. His father William the Longsword was wrongfully killed and he was made a Duke as a young child. It tells of his adventures, his capture by King Louis IV of France, his mistreatment and his escape back to his home and the years of his rule. It is a beautifully told story.
I loved that his Fru Astrida told him epic Viking Tales and how he learned to rule with authority but also kindness and mercy. This is all based on fact, yet Charlotte Yonge breathes life to it in a way that yonge ;) or old there is something to feed your heart and soul. The boys loved this book and asked me to read it outside of school time. They were even brought to tears at the mistreatment of an innocent animal. A living book indeed.
2023: 2nd time reading loved it just a bit more than last time.
June 18, 2017
As a long-time fan of Charlotte Yonge, I thought it was about time to read one of her better known books, even though I'm mostly interested in her as a chronicler of mid-Victorian family life, and not as a writer of historical fiction. It took me some time to get into the story, because at the outset I knew literally nothing about the history of Medieval Normandy, and was generally confused about what was going on (Vikings in France? Who knew?). However, I persevered, and was soon unexpectedly engrossed by the story, and found the second half flew by quickly. It would be interesting to know how historically accurate it is. A note at the end of my edition (which is from 1927), suggests that it mostly is. I do find myself wondering if the Normans of the year 943 were as passionate about the ideal of Christian forgiveness as Yonge was herself. None the less, in an illogical way, I can't help thinking that because she is "old fashioned," and only 900 years removed from the historical events, as opposed to our 1,050+, she is somehow more in tune with the Medieval point of view!
I like my particular copy of the book very much. Unlike the one pictured for this edition, it has red boards (which I like better than blue for an old book, because it looks more jewel-like on the shelves). It has very nice illustrations by Marguerite Deangeli, and there were a couple of echoes in the story that made me think it might in some small part have helped to inspire Deangeli's own Medieval story, The Door in the Wall, which she published a couple decades after illustrating this one. Lastly, I bought it at the same slightly junky by not unappealing used book store at which I bought my copy of Sue Barton, Rural Nurse, and like that book, it is extremely worn and shabby, ex-library, with an interesting (to me) provenance. The library stamp is of the St. Thomas choir school in Manhattan. How Anglican can you get!
I like my particular copy of the book very much. Unlike the one pictured for this edition, it has red boards (which I like better than blue for an old book, because it looks more jewel-like on the shelves). It has very nice illustrations by Marguerite Deangeli, and there were a couple of echoes in the story that made me think it might in some small part have helped to inspire Deangeli's own Medieval story, The Door in the Wall, which she published a couple decades after illustrating this one. Lastly, I bought it at the same slightly junky by not unappealing used book store at which I bought my copy of Sue Barton, Rural Nurse, and like that book, it is extremely worn and shabby, ex-library, with an interesting (to me) provenance. The library stamp is of the St. Thomas choir school in Manhattan. How Anglican can you get!
March 16, 2019
Sometimes a book grows on you - or perhaps you grow enough to really appreciate it. It wasn’t a favorite when I read it to my first AO Year 2 student four years ago with either of us, perhaps due at least in part to the fact that we were both new to the curriculum and I was reading it from my iPad, which I dislike. This time through my current Year 2 student had Year 1 under his belt and is a fluent narrator, and I found a hard copy to add to my collection of Junior Deluxe Editions. And we both loved the story: Richard learning to love and forgive his enemies, control his temper, and become a wonderful example of a Christian ruler. A real hero for a little boy to admire.
April 16, 2024
I read this with my AO Year 2 student and we adored it. The ending was really timely for me. One of the last chapters dealt with Carloman’s death and it brought back a flood of memories of the exact moment my mother passed away just one short month ago. It was a painful, cathartic, and tender moment all wrapped up together.
The Little Duke was such a great tale of the transformative power of the gospel and the stark contrast between worldly vengeance and true forgiveness. It has enticed me to read more about Richard the Fearless. He sounds like a worthy hero in a sea of wicked men.
The Little Duke was such a great tale of the transformative power of the gospel and the stark contrast between worldly vengeance and true forgiveness. It has enticed me to read more about Richard the Fearless. He sounds like a worthy hero in a sea of wicked men.
October 5, 2022
I struggle with any historical fiction that isn't a mystery so this book had a lot going against it. I was surprised and pleased at how much I enjoyed this book about Richard of Normandy. It had a really charming quality to it and some interesting events that happened. I definitely recommend this to historical fiction readers!
June 10, 2024
third family read aloud of the year.
I cried again at the end- this is a must read!
I cried again at the end- this is a must read!
June 30, 2024
2024 - Fifth read, this time with my youngest son, and still such a delight. I hope to read this with my grandchildren some day!
2020 update - Finished my fourth read through of this book with my third child and will never forget it. I am so glad the ladies of Ambleside Online introduced me to it!
*
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book on my own, and now am reading it a second time with my 8 year old son.
The Little Duke is a novel that chronicles the development of good character in Duke Richard of Normandy, a child who becomes duke at a young age and must learn some difficult life lessons. It takes place in Normandy (France) in the time before William the Conquerer, and teaches a great deal about the history and culture of the times, as well as the unchanging aspect of human relationships and character. The first couple of chapters are a bit difficult at first, but the sweet little duke and the story line drew me in by the third chapter, and now it is becoming a favorite!
2020 update - Finished my fourth read through of this book with my third child and will never forget it. I am so glad the ladies of Ambleside Online introduced me to it!
*
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book on my own, and now am reading it a second time with my 8 year old son.
The Little Duke is a novel that chronicles the development of good character in Duke Richard of Normandy, a child who becomes duke at a young age and must learn some difficult life lessons. It takes place in Normandy (France) in the time before William the Conquerer, and teaches a great deal about the history and culture of the times, as well as the unchanging aspect of human relationships and character. The first couple of chapters are a bit difficult at first, but the sweet little duke and the story line drew me in by the third chapter, and now it is becoming a favorite!
January 19, 2016
We all absolutely loved this story! The Little Duke's character contrasted with the spoiled French Prince brought such great conversations into our home. The Duke's love for God and ability to forgive was also very touching.
February 9, 2023
What a powerful story of the making of a great man, Richard the Fearless. The conclusion said his only fear was doing wrong. The ending made me cry as he lived out his father’s prayer for him, that he would be a man of mercy and forgiveness.
June 29, 2024
A delightful, fictionalized account of the real Duke Richard the Good, (28 August 932 – 20 November 996) known as the Little Duke when, at age 14, he was left successor to his murdered father, William Longsword. The Little Duke had grown up petted, spoiled and totally unprepared for the life and responsibilities, he now has to assume. His so-called friendly visit to the French King Louis quickly turns into something more akin to a royal abduction and the young duke grows up fast. This is a great swashbuckler which includes Christian leaders dealing with non-Christian leaders and the associated issues of forgiveness and vengeance in wartime situations.
There is also an episode where Richard confronts his French cousin about cruelty to animals. Not overly didactic, but excellent teaching material here, especially since it is one youth v. another rather than an adult moralizing to children.
A great read!
There is also an episode where Richard confronts his French cousin about cruelty to animals. Not overly didactic, but excellent teaching material here, especially since it is one youth v. another rather than an adult moralizing to children.
A great read!
February 11, 2023
Finished reading with my last child for ambleside. I got a whole lot more out of it this last time than I ever did the first read through. 😅 Such a wonderful story.
June 2, 2015
I tried to read this book out loud to my children. I say "tried" because we couldn't get through it. While it certainly had the makings of a fantastic story, it was extremely poorly written. My kids just stared vacant-eyed as the story rambled around in a totally bewildering fashion and every page I had to stop to explain the plot in normal English so they could know what was going on. I finally got frantic and paraphrased the entire blasted thing until we all lost interest and put it back, unfinished, on the shelf. I've read tons of books out loud to my children, so it's not as if they weren't used to historical novels, but with this one they couldn't follow the story line at all. To be honest, I hardly could either. My husband, listening from across the room, was equally dismayed by such poor writing. Huge sections were impossible to tell who the "he" or "she" was referring to, which drove us all nuts because we couldn't figure out which character was doing what. More than once we imagined a particular character doing something for half a chapter before we clicked and realized it was someone else entirely. It was truly pathetic. I was very, very disappointed and, if the horrible truth be known, I threw the book away.
May 7, 2014
This was our history book for term 2 - Ambleside Online. I gave it 4 stars because it was a difficult book to get into. The French names were hard to keep track of and it was hard to follow, in the beginning, but by the end it we loved it!
February 13, 2023
Read with Austin '23 (11/10)
May 16, 2020
I liked this book because good friends will always help out.
February 13, 2021
The boys loved this one, but Abigail and I said it was ok. So 4 stars it is.
April 2, 2023
I will always warmly commend an author who brings lesser known events or periods of history back to life. We have tons of historical fiction set during the American revolution, or during WW2, but what about a book that dramatizes 10th century Normandy, powerful but beset by enemies, with its unique and thrilling blend of French and Scandinavian culture? Charlotte Yonge has done just that (170 years ago!) making it a world a child can feel invested in, with the newly fatherless 8yo Duke Richard as the main character. Yes, there is some didacticism, and it's a little over the top, but it doesn't ruin the story...and actually seems to fit well within the intellectual compass of the period.
I read this book aloud as part of our second grade curriculum — but the preschooler, kindergartener, and teacher all liked it better than the second grader did. This was probably because only the second grader was required to narrate, and he found it hard to engage with the text. The language, cultural context, and ideas were often unfamiliar. But the book allowed him to encounter some important historical ideas — such as hereditary succession, feudalism, the interplay between church and state, the proper education of princes — not as abstractions but as incarnate in their historical setting. The richness and vividness of presentation was well worth the struggle of the reading!
I read this book aloud as part of our second grade curriculum — but the preschooler, kindergartener, and teacher all liked it better than the second grader did. This was probably because only the second grader was required to narrate, and he found it hard to engage with the text. The language, cultural context, and ideas were often unfamiliar. But the book allowed him to encounter some important historical ideas — such as hereditary succession, feudalism, the interplay between church and state, the proper education of princes — not as abstractions but as incarnate in their historical setting. The richness and vividness of presentation was well worth the struggle of the reading!
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July 19, 2024This is a sweet, moral tale written for children about the importance of forgiveness and not taking revenge. While I didn't find this book as compelling as her longer novels, I still enjoyed this book and could see reading it aloud to kids.
Content notes: some minor violence and some catholic practices represented
Content notes: some minor violence and some catholic practices represented
February 21, 2018
Finished reading this to Grace today. It was a little hard to get into at first but it ended up being greatly enjoyed by both of us and I feel like she’s formed a relationship with Duke Richard and will actually remember a lot about him.
September 16, 2023
5 stars. I’ve always had a very soft spot for this story. It is set in Normandy, a place I really love, & contains amazing, very real characters. Alberic, Osmond, Richard, Sir Eric... <33 I love the lessons that are continually taught in this book—to control oneself and to do what is right. The historical era is very interesting, and the language reflects it so perfectly, but is still completely understandable! I highly recommend it to anyone writing historical fiction of any era as a guide.
Content: mild violence. It is Catholic, but those bits can be skipped/edited.
A Favourite Quote: So just and so ready to redress all grievances had the old Duke Rollo been, that his very name was an appeal against injustice, and whenever wrong was done, the Norman outcry against the injury was always “Ha Rollo!” or as it had become shortened, “Haro.” And now Osmond knew that those whose affection had been won by the uprightness of Rollo, were gathering to protect his helpless grandchild.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “...the fact of being kept in order could not but have some beneficial effect on him, after such spoiling as his had been at home. Indeed, Osmond was once heard to say, it was a pity the boy was not to be a hostage for life; to which Sir Eric replied, ‘So long as we have not the training of him.’”
Content: mild violence. It is Catholic, but those bits can be skipped/edited.
A Favourite Quote: So just and so ready to redress all grievances had the old Duke Rollo been, that his very name was an appeal against injustice, and whenever wrong was done, the Norman outcry against the injury was always “Ha Rollo!” or as it had become shortened, “Haro.” And now Osmond knew that those whose affection had been won by the uprightness of Rollo, were gathering to protect his helpless grandchild.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “...the fact of being kept in order could not but have some beneficial effect on him, after such spoiling as his had been at home. Indeed, Osmond was once heard to say, it was a pity the boy was not to be a hostage for life; to which Sir Eric replied, ‘So long as we have not the training of him.’”
February 2, 2022
While this book was difficult to get into, and difficult to read aloud because of the heavy dialect in the dialogue, it turned out to be one of our favorite books that semester. You grow to really love the Little Duke and care about what happens next to him, his friends, and his countrymen. Definitely one to push through the first few chapters to get to the great meat of the book.
February 16, 2018
Read aloud for AmblesideOnline year 2. I loved the first chapter, then it seemed a little slow and I struggled with all the names and French pronunciations. But then it was very enjoyable once I had a grasp of the characters, and I'm looking forward to reading again in two years. Love the living ideas and the powerful forgiveness theme in this book.
March 10, 2021
Delightful! The ending was so sweet it made me cry. I read this to my 7 year old and we both loved it!
January 18, 2024
Read this book as part of our homeschooling curriculum (Ambleside Online). It definitely achieves the end goals there — a living book that provides realistic models of virtue/character-building, rather than moralizing, which fits into an historical time period and fleshes it out imaginatively.
That said, the beginning of the book is very slow and the chapters quite long, until the end, at which point there are a few disappointingly short chapters that quickly wrap up the action. The middle, subsequently, is the most interesting part. It might be a bit of a challenge to approach independently as a fun read.
That said, the beginning of the book is very slow and the chapters quite long, until the end, at which point there are a few disappointingly short chapters that quickly wrap up the action. The middle, subsequently, is the most interesting part. It might be a bit of a challenge to approach independently as a fun read.
May 25, 2022
A very challenging but rewarding read. Great read aloud with my 9 year old considering the age of the Duke was similar when his rule began. We had to go slow and stop almost every page to discuss in the beginning because the language was often quite difficult to grasp. It really picks up a few chapters in! Out of so many terrible rulers during this time period, it was nice to deep dive in the life of one ruling with true Christian virtues.
January 27, 2024
Read this with my two homeschool girls. The first 3 chapters had me captivated and my heart hurt for the little boy having such huge responsibilities at such a young age. The middle I found to be less interesting and I was a bit bored to be honest. The last two chapters really brought it home and as I read the last two chapters, I couldn’t help crying as the Little Duke proved to himself that he had learned how to forgive!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2021
This was one of our read-alouds for Henry’s 2nd grade.
It started out challenging for both of us, but really grew on us. By the end we were both enchanted by the story and attached to the characters. It turned out to be really enjoyable and I’m so glad we trudged through the beginning difficulties.
It started out challenging for both of us, but really grew on us. By the end we were both enchanted by the story and attached to the characters. It turned out to be really enjoyable and I’m so glad we trudged through the beginning difficulties.
June 1, 2024
This was an AO pre-read book for me and I’ll be curious to see how it lands with my second grader this year. It was a fun audiobook so I’m hoping they enjoy it as a read aloud. It made me want to explore much more about the history of the setting and even though it may not be quite accurate, the authors faith is imputed into much of the book and character’s motivations and I enjoyed that part of it!
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June 4, 20242024: This was my third time reading this book aloud, as it is an Ambleside biography/history selection for Year 2. It is lovely, but I have read it enough times now. :)
The older two kids gathered around, as well, as I read the book - they love it!
The older two kids gathered around, as well, as I read the book - they love it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews