A Crown of Straw

A Crown of Straw, published in 1896 by Allen Upward, is a historical fiction novel set in late 19th-century Europe. The story revolves around Maximilian, the new king of Franconia, as he navigates the political intrigues and romantic entanglements following the downfall of his tyrannical father, Leopold IX. The narrative explores themes of love, power, and rebellion through characters like Dorothea, a forester's daughter, and her cousin Johann, who become embroiled in the turbulent political landscape of their time. The novel highlights the burdens of kingship and the conflicts between familial loyalty and political duty amidst a brewing revolution.