The Mountebank

The Mountebank, written by William John Locke in the early 20th century, follows Brigadier-General Andrew Lackaday as he reflects on his life from his circus origins to his military career during and after World War I. The narrative unfolds through letters to a friend compiling his life story, revealing Lackaday's struggles with identity and his past as a circus performer known as 'Petit Patou.' The novel uniquely blends comedy and tragedy, exploring themes of self-discovery, love, and the complexities of human existence against the backdrop of a changing world.