Doctor Syn: A Tale of the Romney Marsh
Encyclopedia
Doctor Syn: A Tale of the Romney Marsh is the first in the series of Doctor Syn
novels by Russell Thorndike
. In this story we are introduced to the complex Christopher Syn, the kindly vicar
of the little town of Dymchurch
. Syn seems pleasant but we soon learn that he has a sinister past. At one time he was the vicious pirate Captain Clegg
and he is also the mysterious "Scarecrow of Romney Marsh", masked leader of the local smugglers.
In the other books of the series Syn is presented as a hero, but here he is a much darker character. He moves from the personality of the gentle clergyman to that of bloodthirsty pirate with frightening ease. In the end he is murdered by a former pirate crewman who, as Clegg, he had left to die years ago.
Though it was written first, the events of this story follow the rest of the series. Together, the series shows the subtle decline of a good man into madness and show the dark side of the swashbuckling
romantic hero.
Doctor Syn was published in 1915. Though it is the first book written in the series it follows the events of Shadow of Doctor Syn
.
Doctor Syn
The Reverend Doctor Christopher Syn is the smuggler hero of a series of novels by Russell Thorndike. The first book, Doctor Syn: A Tale of the Romney Marsh was published in 1915. The story idea came from smuggling in the 18th century Romney Marsh, where brandy and tobacco were brought in at night...
novels by Russell Thorndike
Russell Thorndike
Arthur Russell Thorndike was a British actor and novelist, best known for the Doctor Syn of Romney Marsh novels...
. In this story we are introduced to the complex Christopher Syn, the kindly vicar
Vicar
In the broadest sense, a vicar is a representative, deputy or substitute; anyone acting "in the person of" or agent for a superior . In this sense, the title is comparable to lieutenant...
of the little town of Dymchurch
Dymchurch
Dymchurch is a village and civil parish in the Shepway District of Kent, England. The village is located on the coast five miles south-west of Hythe, and on the Romney Marsh. It is typical of this part of the coast, having been a village which became larger during the 1930s...
. Syn seems pleasant but we soon learn that he has a sinister past. At one time he was the vicious pirate Captain Clegg
Captain Clegg
Captain Clegg may refer to:* Captain Clegg a character in the Doctor Syn stories* Captain Clegg , a 1962 film by Hammer Films*Captain Clegg & The Night Creatures, a psychobilly band featured in the 2009 film Halloween II...
and he is also the mysterious "Scarecrow of Romney Marsh", masked leader of the local smugglers.
In the other books of the series Syn is presented as a hero, but here he is a much darker character. He moves from the personality of the gentle clergyman to that of bloodthirsty pirate with frightening ease. In the end he is murdered by a former pirate crewman who, as Clegg, he had left to die years ago.
Though it was written first, the events of this story follow the rest of the series. Together, the series shows the subtle decline of a good man into madness and show the dark side of the swashbuckling
Swashbuckler
Swashbuckler or swasher is a term that emerged in the 16th century and has been used for rough, noisy and boastful swordsmen ever since. A possible explanation for this term is that it derives from a fighting style using a side-sword with a buckler in the off-hand, which was applied with much...
romantic hero.
Doctor Syn was published in 1915. Though it is the first book written in the series it follows the events of Shadow of Doctor Syn
Shadow of Doctor Syn
Shadow of Doctor Syn is the seventh and last in the series of Doctor Syn novels by Russell Thorndike. This story is set during the events of the French Revolution and part of the action has Syn rescuing people from the Reign of Terror in the style of the Scarlet Pimpernel. The other main plot...
.