Frederic Stewart Isham was an American novelist and playwright. He has written mainly historical romances and fantasy novels. Under the Rose is such a historical and fantasy novel, set in 16th century Europe, published in 1903. It's a beautiful amusing novel though depicted events are not relevant historically. The story is set around the court of Charles Vth ruler of the Holy Roman Empire and Francis I of France. Kings Francis niece marriage with the Duke of Friedwald is proposed as an alliance between France and Empire. But Duke's Jester impressed the Princess Louise, won her heart and they fell in love. Then situations became odd, problems emerged after some twists ended happily.
An American novelist and playwright Frederic S. Isham was born on 29 March 1865 in Detroit, Michigan. His parents were Charles Storrs Isham and Lucy B. Isham. He had keen interest in plays, so he started his career as a playwright. For two years, he studied at Royal Academy of Music in London. He was fond of writing on historical romances and adventure. Thus, he began novel writing. In his first novel The Strollers, he wrote his theatre experiences. In Black Friday, he depicts American financial crisis of 1869. In his novel, Under the Rose he has given a view of 16th century Europe. Popularity of Isham's novels can be seen in movies also. Films are made on the novels like - Three Live Ghosts, Nothing But the Truth, The Social Buccaneer etc. Some other notable works- Black Friday, Half a Chance, The Nut Cracker, The Way Out, The Lady of the Mount etc. He died in New York on 6 September 1922.
