The Fortunes of Perkin Warbeck

A lost prince. A stolen identity. A dangerous claim to the throne.

Mary Shelley’s The Fortunes of Perkin Warbeck is a richly imagined historical novel that brings to life one of the most intriguing mysteries of the English monarchy: the rise and fall of Perkin Warbeck, the fifteenth-century pretender who claimed to be Richard of Shrewsbury, one of the lost Princes in the Tower. Set during the turbulent years following the Wars of the Roses, the novel follows Warbeck’s quest for recognition and the political forces that surround his challenge to King Henry VII. Through a blend of historical research, romantic drama, and psychological insight, Shelley explores themes of identity, loyalty, ambition, honor, and the human desire to believe in a greater destiny. More than a tale of political intrigue, The Fortunes of Perkin Warbeck is a thoughtful examination of the individuals caught between personal conviction and the unforgiving machinery of history.

• First published in 1830
• A major historical novel by the author of Frankenstein
• A compelling exploration of ambition, legitimacy, identity, loyalty, honor, and the struggle for power

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A captivating work of historical fiction, The Fortunes of Perkin Warbeck reveals Mary Shelley’s remarkable ability to transform the conflicts of the past into a profound exploration of ambition, identity, and the fragile nature of power.

About the Author

Mary Shelley (1797–1851) was an English novelist, essayist, and editor whose groundbreaking work transformed world literature. The daughter of philosopher William Godwin and feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft, Shelley created Frankenstein at the age of eighteen, producing one of the most influential novels ever written. Beyond her famous masterpiece, she authored novels including The Last Man, Valperga, Mathilda, The Fortunes of Perkin Warbeck, and Falkner, as well as travel writings, biographies, and essays that reflected her deep engagement with science, politics, philosophy, and social change. Her visionary imagination and intellectual curiosity continue to inspire readers across generations.