The Bastard

by John Jakes

Book Overview

The first volume in The Kent Family Chronicles introduces a stunning new historical figure to excite the imaginings of future generations: Philipe Charboneau - the illegitimate son of an English nobleman flees Europe & as Philip Kent, joins the turbulent adventure that was the beginning of the American Experience. This is a vibrant novel of romance & adventure set against the rich fabric of our heritage, & the colorful tumult of events that gave rise...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0515035084
• ISBN13: 9780515035087
• Release Date: October 1974
• Publisher: Jove Books
• Length: 634 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.

Customer Reviews

No

I just couldn't... The characters all so stupid. How does one like characters who continue to do stupid things. I have the entire set and won't go further than the first book

No Book yet...

I have not received this book yet. I did receive the other 3 that I ordered in this series. Looking at the tracking number there is no information so I assume that it has not even been shipped yet...? I am not happy as I cannot read the other books in the series without the First One...!

First book of the Kent Family

I read this series when I was 26 years old and have now, 40 years later, re-ordered the set in hardback and I am re-reading the series....it is that good.. I had read it it in paperback, and now wanted to have it for my library. I highly recommend it, for young High School students an us old geezers that love reading.

Welcome to US History 101!

Philipe is a Frenchman and the bastard some of an English duke. He is teased and ostracized most of his life because no one in his hometown in France really believes that he is the son of a duke and because his mother used to be an actress. After the death of his father, his half-brother and stepmother make it clear that he is unwelcome in their home, so he decides to move to the colonies and start a new life. Once he arrives in Boston, he unintentionally becomes enmeshed in the revolutionary fervor that is blossoming in the town. The education he recieved as the son of a duke was very enlightened for its time, allowing Phillipe to appreciate and understand the "new" political theories emerging as the colonies break from the British empire.This is the first book in the Kent Family Chronicles, which charts the history of one family from before the American Revolution to the late 1900s. As a first book in a series, the scene, tone, and family character is well set. John Jakes writes his story with an eye for detail and for entertainment. As I read this series when I was 14, I frequently use these stories as a reference point when remembering details of American history. I highly recommned this series for anyone who wants to learn early US history but doesn't like to read history text books.

Bravo!

I am now 36 years old and I never read the series when it came out, nor did I see the mini-series movie on tv. But I was inspired by the movie THE PATRIOT to read historical fiction of this era, so what else but John Jakes books would do! I was not disappointed. The history was woven well into the fictional story of Philip Kent. The romance and adventure were enthralling, and you almost believed that Philip met the characters thrown in like Ben Franklin and Sam Adams. An excellent book.... I can't wait to read the next one!.... and maybe all eight.

Writing at its best!

I read all the series in the Kent Family Chronicles ten years ago when I was a senior in high school. I could not put them down and was fascinated by what each generation of this family went through. At the time, I was studying American History and these books made everything click and placed it all in perspective. John Jakes is the one who inspired me to work towards my dream of a writing career and to pursue a degree in junior high or high school history. He is one of my very favorite authors. He makes history come alive and helps one to understand it all. The breathtaking romance and nail biting adventure and thrills are just the icing on the cake. I loved every book in the series, although the "Warriors" is my favorite and "Jeremiah", my favorite Kent family member. I look forward to rereading them all again soon.

Great book for history lovers.

Though this novel is fictional and truly a romance, this novel is full of accurate historical information. It reminds us of what our founding fathers were truly fighting for (something that is forgotten today). I think that even if you're not into romance, this book would be interesting. I highly suggest every American read it, and other nationalities as well.

Great Historical Novel

John Jakes is a wonderful author of historical fiction. This book reveals the problems of a family in Europe and what led up to their immigration to the colonies. The main character, Phillip Kent, never imagines that his path will cross with those who created problems for him in Europe, but it does. The plot presents a good amount of history mixed with the fictional Kent family. I can't wait to read the second in the series.