The Coming Of The King

In the hallowed year of 1920, when flapper dresses were all the rage and jazz was still something your grandparents couldn’t quite wrap their heads around, Joseph Hocking decided to take a crack at a subject that would surely resonate with the discerning reader of the day—royalty. Enter "The Coming Of The King," a title that teeters precariously on the edge between the majestic and the mundane, promising not just a narrative but an entire coronation of words that may or may not leave one feeling giddy with anticipation.

Ward Lock & Co Limited, in their infinite wisdom, chose to publish this tome, perhaps believing that the public was simply clamouring for yet another tale of chivalry and noble bloodlines. With royal lineage as the backdrop, one can only assume that Hocking intended to weave a story rich with intrigue, like a tapestry woven entirely from the fabric of tea-stained nostalgia. But, be prepared, dear reader, as the threads might unravel in a most unexpected manner, leading you down rabbit holes of royal drama that may leave you pondering your own lineage—or lack thereof.

• I The Coming of Katharine Harcomb 7
• II The Secret of the Black Box 17
• III The King’s Marriage Contract 28
• IV The Happening at the Inn 39
• V A Midnight Meeting 49
• VI The Old House at Pycroft 59
• VII The Mystery of Pycroft 69
• VIII How I Entered Pycroft 79
• IX Father Solomon at Bay 89
• X The Wisdom of Solomon 99
• XI The Snare of the Fowler 110
• XII The Coming of the King 121
• XIII An Adventure on the Canterbury Road 133
• XIV How I saw a Man who became Famous! 142
• XV Master Sturgeon, the Gaoler 153
• XVI The Escape 164 XVII How I left Bedford 174
• XVIII James, Duke of York 185
• XIX The Scene at the Parish Church 195
• XX The Wisdom of Solomon 205
• XXI How I visited Bedford a Second Time 216
• XXII The Chapel of Herne 227
• XXIII The Journey to Windsor 238
• XXIV Charles II as Judge 248
• XXV The Judgment of the King 258
• XXVI Fleet Prison 268
• XXVII How I left Fleet Prison 278
• XXVIII What Happened on the Bedford Road 288
• XXIX The Puritan’s Cottage 298
• XXX How I left my Old Home 309

One might wonder, could this book be a mere historical account, or does it attempt to forecast a future where kings rise and fall like the tides? Perhaps Hocking was less interested in the actual "coming" and more in the pomp and circumstance surrounding it, exploring the idea that sometimes being a king means navigating a minefield of courtly etiquette, and dodging the proverbial guillotine of public opinion. It begs the question: Is this a narrative of grandeur or a biting satire on the absurdity of aristocracy? Either way, you’re in for a read that may or may not include a royal banquet of clichés served with a side of irony.

For those who fancy themselves connoisseurs of early 20th-century literature, this book offers an opportunity to engage with Hocking’s unique take on the monarchy, as he spins a yarn that may or may not captivate your imagination. The pages, yellowing with age and perhaps slightly dog-eared, whisper tales of a time when kings were not just a subject of history, but a living, breathing entity that could easily be mistaken for a well-dressed rogue on a Sunday afternoon.

As you delve deeper into this rather shabby chronicle of regal shenanigans, you might find yourself pondering the following questions:

• Is the king arriving with much fanfare, or are we to expect a more subdued entrance, possibly involving a confused horse?
• What does Hocking think about the role of common folk in the grand narrative—are they mere spectators or unwitting pawns?
• How many references to “the crown” can one book realistically contain before it drives the reader to drink?
• Does Hocking inadvertently critique the absurdity of ceremonial duty, or is he just a fan of fancy hats?
• What secret recipes for scones might the king be hiding, and will we ever find out?

Condition: As this volume is gently used, it bears the marks of previous readers who have boldly navigated Hocking’s prose, leaving behind their own historical breadcrumbs in the form of marginalia and the occasional coffee ring. While it might not be in pristine condition, the wear and tear speaks volumes of its character—like a king with a few battle scars. Alternatively, it may evoke the feeling of unearthing a long-forgotten royal decree in a dusty attic, complete with the whiff of mildew and a promise of adventure.

So, if you’re ready to rise up and embrace the quirks of this era, "The Coming Of The King" could very well be the key to unlocking a world where every page turn comes with the thrill of the unexpected. Grab your copy from Crappy Old Books and prepare to shuffle through history, royalty, and perhaps a hint of existential despair, all while sipping a cup of tea that’s decidedly less refined than the subject matter might suggest.

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