The Fortunes of Perkin Warbeck by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century, depicting the life and adventures of Perkin Warbeck, who claimed to be the Duke of York. The novel explores themes of identity, legitimacy, and power against the backdrop of the Wars of the Roses. The story opens with characters embroiled in the chaos surrounding England's throne, beginning with the aftermath of the Battle of Bosworth Field. The narrative follows three horsemen fleeing from the battlefield, their urgency and desperation vividly portrayed as they seek safety. Through their dialogue, they reveal concerns about noble families and potential alliances, even as they ponder the risks of political loyalties and alliances. One of the horsemen, disheartened by the situation, warns that he will go his own way unless they slow their pace, underscoring the novel’s themes of loyalty and the dangers of political ties. Ultimately, the fugitives arrive at a chapel to find solace, foreshadowing the intertwined fates of Warbeck and the royal lineage he claims. Through these early scenes, Shelley sets the stage for a tale rich with 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