The Fortunes of Perkin Warbeck: A Romance is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century, exploring the life and adventurous journey of Perkin Warbeck, who claimed to be the lost Duke of York. The novel weaves together themes of identity, legitimacy, and power during the Wars of the Roses. The opening scenes take place amidst the chaos following the Battle of Bosworth Field, where characters embroiled in fierce conflicts surrounding the English throne emerge. Three knights, fleeing from the aftermath of the battle, engage in a tense dialogue, expressing their determination to escape to a safe place while contemplating connections to noble families and potential allies. One of the knights, frustrated by their dire situation, threatens to abandon the group unless they slow their pace, emphasizing the dangers of loyalty and political alliances. Eventually, they seek refuge in a nearby chapel, hoping for solace and assistance?an event that foreshadows the intertwined fates of Warbeck and the royal lineage he claims to represent. Through these initial scenes, Shelley effectively sets the stage for a tale steeped in historical intrigue and the struggle for power.

PREFACE
Chapter I. THE FLIGHT FROM BOSWORTH FIELD
Chapter II. THE CONFERENCE
Chapter III. ELIZABETH OF YORK
Chapter IV. LADY BRAMPTON
Chapter V. THE INTERVIEW
Chapter VI. LAMBERT SIMNEL
Chapter VII. THE BATTLE OF NEWARK
Chapter VIII. THE DISCOVERY
Chapter IX. THE DECOY
Chapter X. THE ESCAPE
Chapter XI. THE EXILES
Chapter XII. THE CHALLENGE
Chapter XIII. TEMPTATION
Chapter XIV. THE TRAITOR PUNISHED
Chapter XV. THE LANDING AT CORK
Chapter XVI. NEW FRIENDS
Chapter XVII. THE FRENCH COURT
Chapter XVIII. THE TOKEN
Chapter XIX. CLIFFORD'S RESOLVE
Chapter XX. THE CONSPIRACY
Chapter XXI. TREASON
Chapter XXII. HERMAN DE FARO
Chapter XXIII. THE TRAITOR UNMASKED
Chapter XXIV. THE TOWER
Chapter XXV. THE RESCUE
Chapter XXVI. THE EARL OF SURREY
Chapter XXVII. THE LANDING AT HYTHE
Chapter XXVIII. THE PARTING
Chapter XXIX. WELCOME TO SCOTLAND
Chapter XXX. THE COURT OF SCOTLAND
Chapter XXXI. THE MARRIAGE
Chapter XXXII. THE MARCH TOWARDS ENGLAND
Chapter XXXIII. THE ASSASSIN
Chapter XXXIV. DISAPPOINTMENT
Chapter XXXV. THE RETREAT
Chapter XXXVI. TIDINGS FROM IRELAND
Chapter XXXVII. TREACHERY
Chapter XXXVIII. DEPRESSION
Chapter XXXIX. SIEGE OF WATERFORD
Chapter XL. AN ESCAPE
Chapter XLI. ARRIVAL IN ENGLAND
Chapter XLII. RECEPTION IN CORNWALL
Chapter XLIII. MISGIVINGS
Chapter XLIV. A CHALLENGE
Chapter XLV. ARRIVAL AT TAUNTON
Chapter XLVI. A PRISONER
Chapter XLVII. A DILEMMA
Chapter XLVIII. CAPTURE OF KATHERINE
Chapter XLIX. RICHARD SURRENDERS
Chapter L. A PROCESSION
Chapter LI. AN ESCAPE
Chapter LII. TREASON
Chapter LIII. DEATH OF CLIFFORD
Chapter LIV. IMPRISONMENT IN THE TOWER
Chapter LV. ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE
Chapter LVI. THE TRIAL
Chapter LVII. THE PRISON OF LUDGATE
Chapter LVIII. CONCLUSION