The Little Duke: Richard the Fearless (Unabridged‪)‬

Charlotte Mary Yonge (1823-1901) was a prolific English novelist. The Little Duke, the first of her historical tales for children, was published in 1854. The main character is Richard Duke of Normandy, the great grandfather of William the Conqueror. The first part concentrates on Richard's failings, their punishment, and his reform, and the second part on his virtues. At the beginning of the tale, Richard is a boy of eight who becomes duke when his father dies in 943 AD. His overlord King Louis brings the boy to the French court where his life seems to be in peril. Rescued by a faithful squire, he returns to Normandy and plays a part in the struggles between the French and the Normans.