From Publishers Weekly
In her latest bout with villainy, Vesper Holly of The Illyrian Adventure and The El Dorado Adventure is accompanied by her legal guardians Professor Brinton and his wife Mary to Drackenberg to attend the Diamond Jubilee of the Grand Duchess. Immediately upon their arrival, Vesper and her companions become involved in Drackenberg's struggle to remain independent from neighboring Carpatia. The appearance of Vesper's archenemy, the dastardly Dr. Helvitius, is a sure sign that trouble is soon to follow. In the course of their stay, Vesper and Brinnie travel with a band of gypsies in order to rescue Mary from kidnappers, recover a lost masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci, discover a way to revive Drackenberg's economy and foil (for the time being, anyway) the evil machinations of Dr. Helvitius. Although the Vesper Holly novels rarely touch on the serious topics explored in some of Alexander's earlier novels (The Prydain Chronicles and The Westmark Trilogy), each effervescent addition to the series is a pleasure to read. Deft storytelling combines with thorough research to create a seamless, fantastic vision of 19th century life. Ages 10-14.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From the Publisher
Who could resist a once-in-a-lifetime invitation to the Grand Duchess of Drackenberg's Diamond Jubilee Celebration? Not Vesper Holly! Off she goes, with her guardian, Brinnie, and his wife, Mary, and plunges into a plot involving a takeover attempt from neighboring Carpatia.
In short order, Vesper finds herself mixed up with Gypsies, a kidnapping, and the discovery of a priceless Leonardo da Vinci portrait. Vesper has her hands full. Especially when the despicable Dr. Helvitius shows up. Will Vesper be able to save the day--and Drackenberg?
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
