Now online for free, Elfwin: A Novel of Anglo-Saxon Times (1930), a stirring novel of Ethelflaeda of Mercia.

It was the first historical novel of south Staffordshire / north Birmingham author S. Fowler Wright, author of the key science fiction classic The World Below (1929). Elfwin is said to be a high quality and brisk historical novel with well-crafted and heroic characters. Albeit with a rather tiresome central female heroine, or so I’m told.

The Spectator review of 1930 had…

All who like tales of high romance and valour will enjoy Mr. Fowler Wright’s latest book when once they have made the acquaintance of its innumerable characters. The first chapter is not easy reading: the pages are littered with Danish and Saxon names, and those who are not historically minded may find it a little difficult to understand what is happening. Yet Mr. Fowler Wright avoids the sentimentalities common to those who write of chivalry, and tells his tale of intrigue with the utmost directness.

Difficult to image that Tolkien wasn’t aware of this.