The Iron Duke: A Novel of Rogues, Romance, and Royal Con Games in 1930s Europe

by L. Ron Hubbard

Book Overview

He's a lady's man, a man's man--and a wanted man, on the run in 1930s Europe.... Meet Blacky Lee, ruggedly handsome with a quick wit and a roguish charm--with larceny in his heart and a price on his... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1592123198
• ISBN13: 9781592123193
• Release Date: March 2009
• Publisher: Galaxy Press (CA)
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Witty, sharp story

I really enjoy stories that are told slightly OFF of the main character's viewpoint. You get all the mystery of the plot while watching it unfold, without knowing exactly what the end game of the lead character is. A lot of this story is told from the Iron Duke's hapless assistant, who looks on in horror at the reckless improvisations of Blacky Lee that only get more elaborate as the story moves along. You keep expecting the whole house of cards to collapse on his head... Good times. :) Fast read, lots of fun.

Great Example of Forties Pulp Fiction!

Being a collector of pulp mags, I recognized the painting at the cover of The Iron Duke; I think it's from Argosy Magazine as I remember. I know that the company Author Services had a reprint project going on, but leather covers and expensive paper made a $50 a book subscription a bit expensive. Regardless, I collected a few of these books to get my Hubbard fix of fantasy and science fiction. Galaxy Press has been on a project recently of publications of Hubbard's old pulp stories. The pulps had a lot going for them in the old days. It's really what kids were gravitated to. They were cheap entertainment and helped take the mind off The Great Depression, the Communist "threat" and the Nazis. The Iron Duke is clearly attempting to do that. For a rather cheap price (I got mine from the library, yay) I got a bit of light entertainment and recognized the satire regarding a charlatan who just happens to be the near twin of Archduke Philip of Ardoria. That other Philip is a drunk and a raving lunatic who is kept under close watch by the royal family and a discredit to the monarchy. Blacky and his sidekick Stub (cute name) take advantage of a case of mistaken identity and the Duke's convenient departure to make riches off the monarchy of Ardoria, avoid the Nazis and make a deal with "The Sons of Freedom", that is, a Communist movement to take over the monarchy. Only one thing stops him: the love of a woman, Countess Zita. Tossing grenades, being self-assured to the point of arrogance and somehow saving the day was typical plot of the Forties pulps. Taking a snide swipe at the Russians and Communism soon after WWII was daring to say the least. Overall, not a bad book. Besides the story, Galaxy Press gave a short short of an upcoming adventure tale, a bit about the author, his list of pen-names, a short article on the history of pulp fiction and an invitation to read more. Though I prefer Hubbard's horror (Fear) and his fantasy (Slaves of Sleep) and even his science fiction (Old Doc Methusulah), I have yet to check out further adventure and western tales. I may take Galaxy up on that offer! Critics to the contrary, Hubbard's science fiction output was quite low. Take a look at the biography! Other books I recommend: Battlefield Earth: A Saga of the Year 3000 [the book, NOT the movie!] The Professor Was a Thief (Stories from the Golden Age) [Somewhere Hubbard said this was his favorite.] Fear [a Stephen King favorite]

Funny, suspenseful with a touch of satire

Hubbard knows how to tell a story in a way to get you completely enthralled in it. This is one of those. A guy who is on the run from the Nazis goes to Aldoria (fictitious kingdom in Europe) because he looks just like the crown-prince of that country. After playing out the part for a while he runs into Countess Zita who is perplexed to find the crown-prince away from his strong-hold. Evidently the Sons of Freedom are lurking everywhere trying to assassinate the prince, so him being out and about is not very safe. When the countess offers to accompany him back to his fortress with added protection, where he undoubtedly will meet the real deal, his fate seems to be sealed. It's a hell of a story and well worth reading.

Really good plot line.

I really liked the plot. It had twists and turns in it and kept me interested the whole way. Would highly recommend to others!

A most enjoyable listen and read

I have both read and listened to the audiobook production of this story. I really enjoyed them both, although it was probably the audio production that really brought out the humor and satire in the story itself.