The Stolen March
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 1926 |
| Founder | Dornford Yates (Cecil William Mercer) |
| Products | Fantasy novel |
The Stolen March is a fantasy novel published in 1926 by the English writer Dornford Yates (Cecil William Mercer), initially appearing as a serial in The Windsor Magazine.
Plot
The narrative centers on Simon and Patricia Beaulieu, characters previously introduced in "Simon" from As Other Men Are. Following Simon's illness, they set out on a caravan journey through France toward the imaginary region of Etchechuria, situated in the Pyrenees between France and Spain. Accompanied by Eulalie (from Jonah & Co) and Pomfret Tudor, the group experiences a series of fantastical occurrences, such as encountering an English-speaking mule and entering a realm populated by animated illustrations and figures from nursery rhymes. The tone becomes increasingly sinister as some individuals reveal deadly motives.
Background
Mercer held The Stolen March in high esteem, although it did not resonate similarly with many readers. He remarked that had the story’s ultimate direction been apparent at the start, the editor of The Windsor Magazine might have declined to serialize it.
Chapters
| Chapter | Book Title | Windsor Title | Date | Volume | Issue | Pages | Illustrator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | The Open Road | The Paying Of Paul | August 1925 | LXII | 368 | 241-255 | Norah Schlegel |
| II | Enter Pomfret | The Rule Of Three | September 1925 | LXII | 369 | 361-375 | Norah Schlegel |
| III | Blind Country | The Way Of A Man With A Mule | October 1925 | LXII | 370 | 479-492 | Norah Schlegel |
| IV | Love Among The Mountains | On Velvet | November 1925 | LXII | 371 | 589-602 | Norah Schlegel |
| V | Blood Royal | All On A Summer's Day | December 1925 | LXIII | 372 | 59-76 | Norah Schlegel |
| VI | Publican And Sinner | Up To Date | January 1926 | LXIII | 373 | 180-195 | Norah Schlegel |
| VII | The Cloven Hoof | The Short Lane | February 1926 | LXIII | 374 | 275-291 | Norah Schlegel |
| VIII | Gathering Clouds | The Peck Of Pepper | March 1926 | LXIII | 375 | 405-419 | Norah Schlegel |
| IX | King, Queen And Knave | Le Roy Le Veut | April 1926 | LXIII | 376 | 540-554 | Norah Schlegel |
| X | Hue And Cry | Le Roy Le Veut/The Last Jest | April-May 1926 | LXIII | 376-377 | 554-560 & 649-655 | Norah Schlegel |
| XI | Dolores | The Last Jest | May 1926 | LXIII | 377 | 655-667 | Norah Schlegel |
Critical reception
According to Mercer’s biographer AJ Smithers (1982), this novel showcases some of the finest examples of the author’s pastoral prose, highlighting its distinct comedic qualities.
Sequel
Following numerous appeals to revisit Etchechuria, Mercer commenced work on The Tempered Wind, but halted after completing fifty-one pages due to creative difficulties.