Walter Besant

Walter Besant was a prolific English novelist and historian. He was born on August 14, 1836, in Portsmouth, England, and died on June 9, 1901. Besant began his career as a senior professor at the Royal College of Mauritius before turning to writing full-time. He is best known for his collaboration with writer James Rice and for his own novels that often depicted the lives of the poor in London. Besant was also involved in the establishment of the Society of Authors and served as its chairman. He was knighted in 1895 for his contributions to literature and his efforts to improve the social conditions of the poor.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Golden Butterfly

    "The Golden Butterfly" is a Victorian novel that weaves the tale of a talented and beautiful actress who rises to fame and fortune, capturing the hearts of London's elite. Her mysterious origins and the secret of her birth become the focal point of the narrative, as various characters, including a wealthy banker, a struggling playwright, and an ambitious financier, become entangled in her life. The story explores themes of love, ambition, and the pursuit of wealth and status, set against the backdrop of the glittering but often ruthless world of the late 19th-century theatre scene. As the characters navigate their complex relationships and personal desires, the enigma of the actress's past and the pursuit of the titular "Golden Butterfly" drive the plot towards its dramatic conclusion.

    The 6293rd Greatest Book of All Time