The Saracen Lamp

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Adapted from the English Wikipedia article The Saracen Lamp, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 29 November 2025

The Saracen Lamp is a children's novel from 1970 authored by Ruth M. Arthur, with illustrations by Margery Gill and published through Atheneum Books. The story is set in Gloucestershire, England, and explores the influence of a saracen lamp across several generations of young women within a historical framework.

Summary

At the heart of The Saracen Lamp is Yusef, a captive bondman taken during the Crusades, who creates the lamp as a wedding present for Melisande. Although Yusef passes away early in the tale, his crafted lamp leaves a lasting impression on Melisande’s descendants over many years.

The book is divided into three segments, each narrated by a different character who follows the lamp’s journey through time.

The first segment (1313–1350), told by Melisande, covers her family’s involvement in the Crusades and her sons’ participation in the Hundred Years' War.

The second segment centers on Alys in Littleperry, Gloucestershire, as she discovers her ancestry and confronts family customs by removing the saracen lamp.

The final segment features Perdita in contemporary times, who uncovers her heritage and strives to heal historical divisions.

Plot

At sixteen, Melisande is compelled to marry Sir Hugh de Hervey and relocate from Southern France to his Gloucestershire estate. Her father, debilitated from wounds sustained during the Crusades, insists on this marriage. Yusef, who fashioned the lamp for Melisande, is exiled prior to her wedding and soon dies under mysterious circumstances.

Upon settling at Littleperry Manor, Melisande encounters animosity from Lady Constance and Dame Anne Peckham because of her French origins. The news of Yusef’s death brings profound sorrow, yet she finds happiness with the birth of her son Joscelin. Misfortune follows when disease decimates their sheep flock and later claims her son Hugo. As conflict erupts between England and France, Melisande struggles with divided family loyalties. This section concludes with her marking the manor as a warning of the Plague.

The second part focuses on Alys, who begins working at Littleperry at age twelve and befriends Cicely, daughter of the squire. Upon learning she is illegitimate due to her father’s refusal to marry her mother, Alys becomes resentful and formulates plans involving marriage and vengeance. She sells the saracen lamp for less than its worth to finance these schemes but encounters unforeseen repercussions. Ultimately, she returns alone to Littleperry seeking forgiveness.

In the third part, Perdita resides at Littleperry while recuperating from illness. Haunted by Alys’s ghost urging despair, Perdita gains strength through family support. A replica of the saracen lamp is restored at Littleperry, symbolizing healing and continuity.

Characters

Melisande, a young French woman who marries into English aristocracy
Melisande's Father, severely wounded during King Louis' Crusades against the Saracens
Yusef (Joseph), Islamic Saracen bondservant and trusted member of the household
Tristan & Gabriel, brothers of Melisande
Dame Marguerite, Melisande's personal maid and housekeeper
Sir Hugh de Hervey, husband of Melisande
Lady Constance and the Old Knight, parents of Sir Hugh
Melisande's grandfather, veteran of two earlier crusades residing in Aigues Mortes
Dame Anne Peckham, temporary housekeeper for Melisande and Sir Hugh
Thomas Peckham, Anne's brother and Sir Hugh's steward; later marries Dame Marguerite
Margery Caldecott, local woman selected by Melisande as maid
Joscelin, Robert, Michael, Margot, and Henry de Hervey, children of Melisande and Hugh
Alys, narrator of Part II and illegitimate daughter of Squire Harvey
Alys' Grandmother
Squire Edwin Harvey, master of Littleperry and prosperous wool merchant
Miss Cicely, younger daughter of the squire and friend to Alys
Mistress Roke, housekeeper at Littleperry and confidante to Alys' grandmother
Miss Winter, governess to Cicely who treats Alys harshly but includes her in lessons
Perkin Elder, local youth and Alys' romantic interest
Amy Price, Alys' second cousin living in London
Perdita, 13-year-old narrator of Part III living at Littleperry with her grandmother in present day
Grandmother Harvey, Perdita's grandmother
Old Nod, housekeeper at Littleperry descended from Mistress Roke
Mrs. Finley, vicar's wife who tutors Perdita

Saracen Lamp

The lamp, fashioned from gold and stained glass, was created by Yusef, Melisande’s loyal bondsman. He gifted it to her, explaining that it was designed in the style of his native land during his exile: "Keep it safe within your home; let its light burn continuously so that your spirit’s flame remains unextinguished."

This piece is characterized by finely detailed goldwork adorned with floral motifs and vibrant glass panels in ruby, emerald, and amethyst hues, reminiscent of the stained glass found in abbeys. It stands as a representation of lasting spirit and cultural identity.

Historical References

Soon after Melisande and Sir Hugh settle at Littleperry, Sir Hugh’s father narrates their visit to Windsor Castle to meet King Edward II and Queen Isabella. Following the death of Hugo, reports emerge about the intrigues at Edward II’s court and subsequent festivities celebrating Edward III’s wedding to Queen Philippa in 1327.

During the Hundred Years' War starting in 1337, family members find themselves on opposing sides. The narrator from Part I succumbs to the Plague.

Part II begins in the 1560s amid religious turmoil: the rollout of the new Book of Common Prayer, Queen Mary’s troubled reign marked by her desire for an heir alongside her Spanish consort Philip, and widespread persecution of Protestants.

Reception

Baron characterizes The Saracen Lamp as "exquisitely crafted," while observing that its heroines lack the depth found in Ruth Arthur's previous novels. The book often introduces readers to historical details of these eras for the first time.

External links