Captain Alatriste - first UK edition
by Arturo Perez-Reverte
Captain Alatriste is set in Madrid, Spain in the early 17th-century. The
Spanish Armada had already been defeated but Spain was still the world's
greatest superpower. The Captain is recently home from fighting in Flanders in
the Dutch war for independence from Spain. He has come home because of a serious
wound that has left him unfit for the military. However, and like many of
veterans of Spain's wars, he is fit enough to eke out a meager living as
something of a gun, or sword, or knife for hire. He collects debts, avenges the
honor of cuckolded husbands, and even kills for the right price. He is very good
at his job. The story is narrated by Inigo, the son of one of Alatriste's
friends who died in combat while fighting alongside Alatriste. An excellent
swashbuckler in the tradition of Dumas, this is purported to be the first in a
series!
Book has black boards with the title in gold on the spine. Dust wrapper is
price-intact at £9.99.