The Belloc, Hilaire 1870-1953 creator Chesterton, G. K. (Gilbert Keith) 1874-1936 text utu 2022 monographic en 1 online resource : multiple file formats "The Emerald of Catherine the Great" by Hilaire Belloc is a historical detective novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the English aristocracy, the story begins with the mysterious legacy of a grand emerald linked to the infamous Catherine the Great of Russia. As the plot unfolds, it revolves around William Bones, a master mariner who enters the sphere of high society, and eventually the exploration of a missing emerald that serves as a family heirloom for the de Bohuns, sparking intrigue and suspicion among the characters. The opening of the novel introduces William Bones, the protagonist, who begins his journey as a humble merchant captain from Lincolnshire. His encounters with the Russian elite, particularly Catherine the Great, mark a dramatic change in his fortunes, leading to the acquisition of a priceless emerald, which significantly impacts his family's legacy. As the narrative transitions to present day, the emerald becomes a focal point of tension and secrecy amongst the family, particularly with the youngest de Bohun, Marjorie, who is entrusted with the elegant jewel. The scene is set for a classic mystery, as the emerald goes missing, and its absence stirs a blend of chaos, suspicion, and the potential for scandal among the characters gathered at the family estate. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Release date is 2022-08-11 Laura Natal Rodrigues (Images generously made available by Hathi Trust Digital Library.) Originally published: United States: Harper & brothers, 1926 English fiction -- 20th century PR United States: Harper & brothers, 1926 26020761 https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/000471685 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/68727 https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/000471685 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/68727 UtSlPG 260607 20260610134604.0 68727