John Oliver Hobbes’s Robert Orange is a continuation of the author’s earlier novel The School for Saints, following the extraordinary career of Robert Orange, M.P. First published in 1900, this Edwardian novel of ideas weaves together politics, religion, and romance with wit and psychological insight.
🎭
Robert Orange
A young parliamentarian torn between love, friendship, and a mysterious calling must navigate the treacherous waters of Victorian high society.
| Author | John Oliver Hobbes |
| Published | 1900 |
| Genre | Classic fiction, political novel |
| Chapters | 30 |
| Setting | London, Westminster, country houses |
| Also known as | Pearl Mary Teresa Richards |
🎭 The Story
Robert Orange is a man of many parts: a rising young Member of Parliament, a descendant of a noble but troubled family, and a soul in search of something beyond the glitter of London society. He moves between the drawing rooms of St. James’s, the corridors of power at Westminster, and the quiet retreats of country houses, pursued by the affections of two remarkable women: the brilliant and enigmatic Mrs. Parflete and the steadfast Sara de Treverell.
The novel unfolds through a series of vividly drawn scenes and letters: a stormy afternoon in St. James’s Square, a tense game of political brinkmanship, a clandestine meeting at Almouth House, and a devastating confrontation that changes everything. Around Orange revolve a cast of unforgettable characters: Lord Beauclerk, his worldly confidant; Lord Wight, his political patron; Agnes Carillon, a woman of hidden depths; and Brigit, whose loyalties are tested to the breaking point.
📖 About This Edition
Hobbes writes with a sharp eye for social comedy and a deep sympathy for spiritual struggle. Robert Orange is a novel about vocation and the cost of following one’s conscience in a world that rewards compromise. It stands as one of the finest works of a writer whom Oscar Wilde called “the most brilliant woman in England.” This edition presents the complete 1900 text, carefully formatted for modern e-readers.
Zero Distractions
No ads, no license pages — just the complete text, clean and uninterrupted.
Smart Typography
Curly quotes, em-dashes, proper ellipsis — typeset with care for a premium reading experience.
Chapter Navigation
Full table of contents with navigation to each of the 30 chapters — easily jump between them.
Cleaned & Polished
All Gutenberg boilerplate stripped, consistent formatting throughout the text.
No DRM
You own your copy — read on any device, anytime, forever.
Instant Download
EPUB format included, delivered instantly after purchase.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a sequel?
Yes, it continues the story begun in The School for Saints (1897). While it helps to have read the first novel, Robert Orange stands on its own with enough context for new readers.
Who was John Oliver Hobbes?
A pen name for Pearl Mary Teresa Richards (1867–1906), an American-born British novelist and playwright. She was celebrated for her wit and psychological depth, and counted Oscar Wilde and Henry James among her admirers.
Is this a political novel?
In part. Parliament and political ambition form the backdrop, but the novel is really about vocation, conscience, and the competing claims of love, friendship, and faith. It is a novel of ideas disguised as a society romance.
How long does it take to read?
At 340 pages across 30 chapters, most readers finish in 8-11 hours. The chapters are short and the dialogue-driven narrative moves quickly.
📚 Related Articles
🎭 Read the Victorian Classic
John Oliver Hobbes’s Robert Orange weaves politics, religion, and romance with wit and psychological insight. The DodaBooks edition presents the complete 1900 text:
- ✅ Complete 30-chapter text — every word of the 1900 classic
- ✒️ Smart typography — curly quotes, em-dashes, proper ellipsis
- 📜 Full table of contents with chapter navigation
- 🔒 DRM-free — read on any device, anytime
- 📥 Instant download — EPUB format