The Bastard [Paperback]

John Jakes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1979

Set against the colorful tumult of events that gave rise to our fledgling nation, this novel of romance and adventure introduces Phillipe Charboneau.

The illegitimate son of an English nobleman, Phillipe flees Europe and, as Philip Kent, joins the men who set our course for freedom.

THE BASTARD is the first volume in the Kent Family Chronicles, a series of novels that details one family's journey in the early years of the American nation.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The beginnings of the American Revolution provide the backdrop and action for this first part of Jakes's "Kent Family Chronicles." Listeners will follow the saga of Phillipe Charboneau, illegitimate son of an English nobleman. Phillipe travels from France to claim his inheritance and is denied. To escape being murdered by his half-brother, he travels to London and then Boston, where he changes his name to Philip Kent. Along the way he meets Ben Franklin, Lord North, and Sam Adams (among other historical figures) and participates in the Boston Tea Party. This abridgment is well done, allowing one to follow the protagonist's tempestuous adventures while retaining the wealth of historic detail that makes the story so fascinating. The narration by Bruce Watson is fine; he gives each character a distinct voice with appropriate accent. The episodes are linked by music while the narration is accompanied by sound effects. For popular collections.
- Michael T. Fein, Catawba Valley Community Coll., Hickory, N.C.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

John Jakes is the godfather of historical novelists. (Los Angeles Times) Perhaps no author has made popularized American history more his own province than John Jakes. (Jacksonville Times-Union) Jakes's bent for historical accuracy is unmatched in commercial fiction. (San Francisco Chronicle) It's been said before, but it can't be said enough-John Jakes makes history come alive, makes it stir your blood and excite your senses. (Nelson DeMille) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Jove (October 1, 1979)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0515055255
• ISBN-13: 978-0515055252
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Writing at its best!, February 28, 2000

By 

Anna Bettencourt - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Bastard (Paperback)

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.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Exciting opening to a series., March 29, 2003

By 

Beverley Strong (Australia) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Bastard (Paperback)

This first book in the Kent Family Chronicles is a great opening to the series.Philippe Charbonneau, the illegitimate son of the Duke of Kentland and Marie, a Parisian actress, travels to England to find his father who signed a document acknowledging Phillipe as his son and entitling him to a share of his fortune.The Duke's legitimate son,Roger and the Duchess,Jane, prevent Philippe and Marie from seeing the Duke and hatch murderous plots against them,forcing them to flee to London.They are given shelter by a kindly printer and his family who teach Philippe the printing trade.Their whereabouts in London is discovered by Roger,forcing them to sail to the New World in fear for their lives.Marie dies during the voyage, leaving the young boy to arrive in Boston alone and friendless.He falls in with a group of American patriots who are fighting for the cause of American independence.Philippe realises that all thought of claiming his English heritage is futile and he becomes a "Son of Liberty",witnessing at first hand the Boston Tea Party and the beginning of the War of Independence.I can't wait to begin Book 2.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the best kind of History lesson, April 16, 2000

By 

Ryan (Nevada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Bastard (Paperback)

Just finished this book that was recommended by my mother. First of all, I could not believe how hard it was to find this book in the bookstore. It was out of print everywhere I looked. Mid-way through the book it was hard for me to understand that this book isn't still read by (a lot) people everyday. It is fast moving and extremely exciting. Plus, I have never learned so much about American History than by reading this book. It should be required reading in college history courses. High school would be fine too but some parents might be offended by the (although tasteful) sexual situations. Do yourself a favor and buy this book. I'll be very surprised if you do not buy "The Rebels" (the sequel) as soon as you finish.