Prince Rupert of the Rhine seems to be rather a fan-magnet in certain circles, now as well as in his own time. First published in 1937, this book details, in fictionalised form, Rupert’s early life up until the end of the First English Civil War. The son of Charles I’s sister and a dispossessed German ruler, Rupert grew up in alternating splendour and penury, becoming a soldier before his mid-teens and a prisoner of war (albeit a well looked after one) before he was twenty. And by twenty-three he was a prominent cavalry commander in Charles I’s army.

This is a proper thick historical novel, that neither shies away from recounting the darker side of Rupert’s personality or avoids praising him where praise is due. Rupert was a brilliant strategist, an inventor, and a firm believer (at times when it suited him, anyway) in fair play and the rules of war as he saw them (at times, the rules of war as he understood them for continental Europe didn’t quite match the rules of war as they were understood by the English). He made enemies, too – on his own side as well as amongst the Parliamentarians – but he also gained the respect of some opposing commanders. He formulated plans for a multi-shot pistol and longed to explore other continents. He fell in love with his best friend’s wife. And then there was his infamous dog, Boy, whose death marked the low point of Rupert’s military career.

I can’t vouch for how closely this tale matches with more academic tomes or with current historical theories since I have a stack of books that I’m yet to read on the subject, but it’s a great adventure story that’s difficult to put down.

To drink with this one, I recommend a red wine: possibly something continental like a Giesta Dão 2010 from Portugal. Or you could go a step further and try a fine port. I’m rather fond of Cockburns when I can get one of their good ones.