The Collected Works of Henry Penton

[CharmingCavalier 1749]

The Collected Works of

 

 

Who was Henry Penton?

 

Henry Penton is the assumed name of Henry Norten. He was a playwright, poet, composer, lawyer, Orenian patriot, and politician during the Late Petrine period. Born in 1786 to two ordinary farmers, Henry grew up in the Heartlands of the Holy Orenian Empire before moving to the city of Providence in 1811 under his assumed name. In the following years, he exploded onto the literary scene and founded a successful publishing house known as Penton Napier Publishing. During this time, he was under the tutelage of renowned Imperial playwright Dame Yuliya Styrne.

 

Penton’s body of work began as a celebration of natural beauty, and he advocated against the urban sprawl and opulence that defined much of Imperial society. However, as time passed, his work was described as increasingly bitter, resentful, and devoid of the natural advocacy he had once espoused in his youth. Most of his stories end in tragic misery for all characters, rather that be death or the realization of the futility of life. These facets have been increasingly referred to as Pentonian stories by later litterateurs.

 

In addition to his literary contributions, Penton was drawn into politics and served as one of the longest-serving treasurers in Imperial history. For over thirty years, he developed rigorous financial systems that stabilized the Empire and made it one of the wealthiest nations in Almaris, although it lacked military prowess or success. He was a notable critic of state corruption and fought his entire career to root out thieves masquerading as civil servants. In his later years, he ascended as the 30th Archchancellor of the Holy Orenian Empire, although he was unsuccessful in the role, before fleeing into Haeseni exile in Valwyck during and following the Brother’s War.

Music

 

OREN AUT MORTEM (AN ANTHEM FOR OREN)

Published in 1816

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OREN AUT MORTEM (AN ANTHEM FOR OREN) is Penton’s most celebrated work, and an orchestral rendition of the poem written in 1813. At large, this is viewed as the official anthem for the Empire and the mention of ‘Goats’ can be exchanged for any group of rivals, including elves, dwarves, or men. It was originally presented to Emperor John VIII and Penton was knighted into the Imperial Petrine Order for his musical and literary works. While many viewed this as a gift, Penton refused the titles and drapery surrounding the promotion for the entirety of his life.

 

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SHE HAS LEFT ME, MY GOLDEN ROSE

Published in 1818

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SHE HAS LEFT ME, MY GOLDEN ROSE was performed to Emperor Philip II in Providence’s La Fleur Theatre and was Penton’s second musical production. Although many speculated on his muse, later letters written by Penton during his exile in Valwyck detailed it was about a young love who died before his time in Providence, some assuming it was a man. Regardless, for his work, he was made the Imperial Court Minstrel. However, at this point in his life Penton’s life curse, alcoholism, began to develop.

 

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O’ THE SHORELINE

Published in 1825

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O’ THE SHORELINE is a heartland folk song that was standardized and performed by Penton in 1825. It was part of Penton’s effort to get people out of the city and into the rural countryside to heal ailments, a process Penton fully believed in. It is still widely sung by Heartlanders and reminds many of long days on the rocky shores near Southbridge.

 

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A BIRTH DAY SONG

Published in 1837

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A BIRTH DAY SONG was the Petrine’s premier birth day song. Originally created for Emperor John VIII, and performed for him on his death bed for his 80th birth day, the song saw minimal success with the common man. Instead, to the chagrin of Penton, it was often used by Petrine-era nobles and gained a connotation of a prissy song.

 

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THE MOVEMENT OF LIFE

Published in 1841

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THE MOVEMENT OF LIFE was Penton’s last musical composition as his political responsibilities surged. It is, by far, the longest and is a symphony in three parts. It tells the story of Penton’s life: from natural bliss, to sadness and anger, to refinding God and rediscovering faith. It is one of the most tragically forgotten treasures of the Pentonian record, and possibly one of the best musical compositions written in history.

Poetry

 

NATURAL WEALTH

Published in 1810

Selections Can Be Read Here

 

NATURAL WEALTH was Penton’s debut poetry collection that focused on appraising the urban and rural lifestyles that so drastically separated Imperial society. However, its contents, while remarkable, were not the only reason for its success. Primarily, it was because of Penton’s unique colorization and illustrations that were amongst the most pristine ever recorded in history. Each page was miraculously colored via a colored printing press. Many collectors consider Pentonian colored books to be their most prized possessions.

 

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OREN AUT MORTEM

Published in 1813

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OREN AUT MORTEM was a rallying cry for Imperial forces after Joseph II banned the phrase Ave Orenia during the Sedanite Rebellion. Its popularization corresponded with Penton’s release of Oren Aut Mortem, a poem that was quickly turned into a drinking song recited across Providence following the Flight of the Goats in 1813. Archchancellor Sarkozy quite enjoyed the song and financed its eventual orchestral composition by Penton that was not performed until 1816.

 

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SNOW’S TRUE MAIDEN

Published in 1817

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SNOW’S TRUE MAIDEN was a return to Penton’s fascination with the natural world, specifically the changing of the seasons. Some have attributed it to his personal life, although no record of this exists outside of rumor and conjecture. It remains one of Penton’s most illusive books as very few copies were ever made, as the block prints were stolen by a rogue Musin thief.

 

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WORDS CANNOT REACH

Published in 1819

Selections Can Be Read Here

 

WORDS CANNOT REACH was Penton’s second poetry book and was commissioned by an unnamed noble. It is believed Penton took the commission to fuel his growing alcohol addiction. The contents of the book mostly deal with the troubles of loss, but are similarly colorized and illustrated. It is one of Penton’s more beloved works as his etching work drastically increased over ten years.

 

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A BARREN PRICKET

Published in 1822

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A BARREN PRICKET was a short poem written by Penton that only widened the gap between his attraction to the natural world and the macabre. It told the story of a syphilitic man who stalked the woman of the night who had imparted him that gift. It remains largely unexamined and forgotten by modern litterateurs.

 

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ALMARIS’ GEM

Published in 1835

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ALMARIS’ GEM was another short poem written by Penton, this time with the patriotic edge that had gained him praise during his earlier years. It espoused Penton’s usual shtick of calling for service to the country over any single leader. Although forgotten in today’s literature, it was part of Penton’s revival of Orenian patriotic literature during the 1830s.

 

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VICTORY’S VISAGE

Published in 1835

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VICTORY’S VISAGE was the final patriotic poem written by Penton and was dedicated on the tenth anniversary of the end of the Tenth Nordling War, which was the last imperial success in warfare during the Petrine era. Like Almaris’ Gem, it is a forgotten work that is of little import to the overall legacy of imperial literature.

 

 

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A PHILIPPIAN VERSE

Published in 1849

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A PHILIPPIAN VERSE was part of Penton's renewed patriotic fervor after the Aster Revolution and the assent of Emperor Philip III. Most notably, this piece symbolizes the energetic attitude that swept over Oren following the revolution, but once which was quickly doused by the realities of the world. Penton, a notable critic of Philip III, may have written the piece merely to applaud the Emperor's success for political gain, although that is conjecture.

Prose

 

THE MORTAL CHIME

Published in 1812

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THE MORTAL CHIME is a daunting and otherworldly piece of literature, and was Penton’s first foray into prose. Although considered a financial flop for the upstart author, the piece has gained more modern acclaim for its artwork, off putting story, and tragic ending. This was the first inkling of Penton’s darker tendencies.

 

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THE LITTLE BOY IN THE MOUNTAIN

Published in 1812

Copies Sold in Velec

 

THE LITTLE BOY IN THE MOUNTAIN was Penton’s attempt to capture the attention of young readers. Although made for primarily financial reasons, the book is a retelling of a traditional heartland folktale. More impressively, the book was a picture book that contained colored illustrations on each page. This was one of the first of its kind and remains highly sought after by printers and collectors alike.

 

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ON THE SUBJECT OF APTENDOTYE REX HELANII OR THE EMPEROR PENGUIN

Published in 1813

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ON THE SUBJECT OF APTENDOTYE REX HELANII OR THE EMPEROR PENGUIN was originally written by Dr. Charles Napier was then reformatted and colorized by Penton in 1813. It remains one of Penton’s least successful, and therefore more forgotten, works. However, those with an interest in natural sciences still seek out Penton’s books due to their colorized illustrations remaining paramount compared to post-Imperial presses.

 

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THE LIFE OF DAME YULIYA STYRNE-NAPIER

Published in 1814

Copies Sold in Velec

 

THE LIFE OF DAME YULIYA STYRNE-NAPIER was a colorized biography written by Penton for the passing of his mentor, Dame Yuliya Styrne. The Dame was a remarkable woman who lived a troubled life, but is a testament to innovation and perseverance. She ranks among one of the most important women in Orenian literature, if not Orenian history. This work was an ode to this cause and symbolizes Penton’s total conviction to equality of genders throughout his life.

 

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THE POOR SIDE OF BAKER STREET

Published in 1818

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THE POOR SIDE OF BAKER STREET was a book written in honor of Imperial State Army Sergeant Jimmy LeBlanc, who ran the paper company which supplied Penton’s printers. It tells a story that urges against the excesses of urbanization and the continual neglect of the common class in favor of the enriched nobles that plagued the Petrine era.

 

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THE SCROLL OF GOSPEL

Published in 1824

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Copies Sold in Velec

 

THE SCROLL OF GOSPEL is the third and longest scroll in the Holy Scrolls. With the approval of High Pontiff Jude II, Penton began engraving the Scroll of Gospel in 1812 and it took 12 years to complete. During this time Penton would sit on cathedral floors and muse at the statues of the Exalted to embolden his faith in this lengthy process. After over a decade of work the seven book series was complete, each verse written in pure gold ink. To this day, it is the truest testament to Penton’s engraving expertise.

 

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THE LIFE OF MS. CYNTHIA ASHDOWN

Published in 1840

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THE LIFE OF MS. CYNTHIA ASHDOWN is Penton’s second longest book, and the first to be written in chapters. It tells the story of commoners in Providence during the Petrine era and focuses on the usual Pentonian tropes that have become apparent in his literature, most notably a sad ending. It has received little scholarly attention but remains a snapshot into the times of Providence and Philip II.

 

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THE PHILIPPIAN CHRONCILES

Published in 1881

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THE PHILIPPIAN CHRONCILES is Penton's literary magnus opus. It accurately details the reigns of Emperor John VIII, through Emperor Philip III, and into the succession war of Peter IV and Frederick Fratricida. It provides insight into the actual backroom conversations of the imperial government for over five decades. Penton was extensively involved in almost every aspect of government during this time and disclosed all of the imperial secrets that were kept from the public. Through its chapters More importantly to later historians, it provides a series of recommendations that will provide a more stable government and state.

Politics & Law

 

THE NENZING PROCLAMATION

Published in 1814

Copies Sold in Velec

 

THE NENZING PROCLAMATION was originally issued under Emperor Joseph I and detailed the rights provided to each man. Although Joseph would eventually lose the War of Two Emperors his proclamation became ingrained in Imperial thought during the Petrine era. Penton republished a simplified, colorized, and illustrated document that presented these prolific rights to commoners, who Penton was always the most fervent advocate. It was one of the printing houses’ most sold products up until the rise of New Providence.

 

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CONDEMNATIONS OF AN IMMORAL EXECUTION AND HEINOUS TORTURE IN PROVIDENCE

Published in 1815

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CONDEMNATIONS OF AN IMMORAL EXECUTION… was a handbill written by Penton on the extrajudicial murder of a Sedanite rebel. After resigning in protest from the Ministry of Justice, where he was an attorney, Penton tore into the unjust and immoral killing of a man by nailing a wig into his skull. Although Penton was an ardent advocate against wigs, he found the practice barbaric. At the time, Penton believed the piece would consign him to a life devoid of politics. However, he was incorrect and it caught the attention of numerous statesmen who courted his assent.

 

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THE PAMPHLET OF THE IMPERIAL CORONATION OF JOHN VIII

Published in 1815

 

THE PAMPHLET OF THE IMPERIAL CORONATION OF JOHN VIII was a pamphlet produced by Penton’s printing house at the incitement of the Governorness of the Augustine Palace. Although it is often forgotten due to its insignificance in the literary record, the product was one of the first colorized brochures that was observed in Almaris. Additionally, its production earned Penton the title of Imperial Record Keeper, which he eventually shed due to its frivolous and unproductive nature.

 

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THE AMICUS CURIAE BRIEF ON THE JUDICIAL REVIEW

OF THE DANGEROUS DRUG ORDINANCE OF 1813

Published in 1815

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THE AMICUS CURIAE BRIEF ON THE JUDICIAL REVIEW OF THE DANGEROUS DRUG ORDINANCE OF 1813 was Penton’s first record produced in the imperial legal system and preceded the first verbal argument held before the Supreme Court of the Empire. In it, Penton argues against the expansion of the state’s authority into the private lives of citizens. Although ultimately losing the case to the state’s attorneys, Penton’s vigor and determination was applauded by many. Notably, this continued to sour relations between Penton and then-Attorney General Charles Galbraith, a trend that continued throughout his life.

 

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THE IMPERIAL CALENDAR

Published in 1820

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THE IMPERIAL CALENDAR existed before Penton. However, he was the first to colorize, print, and engrave the calendar. Every year a new calendar would be distributed with the same beautiful detail of the year before. Primarily, this was fueled by Penton’s wish to standardize and easily display the imperial year for record keeping purposes.

 

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THE NOTICE OF INTERDICTION

Published in 1824

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THE NOTICE OF INTERDICTION was the conclusion of the long-running feud between Penton and the Draskovic family which ran the tavern in Providence. Although originally their friend and bookkeeper, Penton went after the family’s corruption alongside the Providential Kovachevs in the city government. This document ordered the closure of the auction on the Draskovic’s property, which belonged to the government and was non-transferrable.

 

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THE IMPERIAL TIMEKEEPER’S ASSOCIATION

Published in 1826

Imperial Clock Found Here

Sigismundic Clock Found Here

Balianite Clock Found Here

 

THE IMPERIAL TIMEKEEPER’S ASSOCIATION was founded by Penton in 1826 to more accurately record the time of the Holy Orenian Empire and other states around Almaris. In city centers the ITA was often seen sponsoring clock towers and held the requisite experience to standardize their timings and production. To this day, many use Penton’s clocks to track the time.

 

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TEMPERING THE FLAMES

Published in 1827

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TEMPERING THE FLAMES was a political handbill made by Penton against the upcoming Risorgimento movement. Although the movement was ultimately unsuccessful for a myriad of reasons, Penton’s advocacy against the intolerance espoused by its proponents made it unattractive to those in government at the time.

 

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FEIGNING OPPRESSION: THE IRONY OF OUR NOBLE, ORENIAN DAUGHTERS

Published in 1830

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FEIGNING OPPRESSION: THE IRONY OF OUR NOBLE, ORENIAN DAUGHTERS was another political pamphlet written and printed by Penton. Although often decried as one of his greatest blunders, Penton was a fervent detractor against the Rosemoor Bill. However, his criticisms, as expressed in this document, were not over the sexist arguments of his peers. Instead, Penton made the case that the law only benefited the noble women or Oren, not the commoners who were still subject to harsh marriage laws and abuse without recourse.

 

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THE IMPERIAL MINT

Published in 1836

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THE IMPERIAL MINT was the first recorded instance of paper money being used by the Holy Orenian Empire, and possibly humanity. Each note’s block was personally engraved by Penton and its work was widely proclaimed as a success. Although the Empire never ascended to the Haeseni monetary system that is notable for its successful financing of the government, the Imperial Mint was a remarkable use of Penton’s talent to create an exceptional public product.

 

 

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THE IMPERIAL CHARTER FOR THE CITY OF PROVIDENCE

Published in 1841

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THE IMPERIAL CHARTER FOR THE CITY OF PROVIDENCE was another unsuccessful attempt to reform the city government of Providence. Led by Penton as Minister of the Treasury, it fell stagnant like other city governments after only a few years of activity. Penton described the work as "blind optimism" in his later years, decrying any effort to fix the Providential city government as a gambit in which you always lose.

 

 

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THE EDICT OF SERICA

Published in 1866

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THE EDICT OF SERICA was Penton's political masterpiece, but one which was ultimately unsuccessful. Originally a simplistic edict of four lines, the intervention of the Count of Temesch transformed the simplistic system into a byzantine and corruptible process that left many confounded at the orders of the Empire. Penton continued to advocate for a system of degrading noble privilege into his later years, but ultimately concluded that the efforts would be dismissed by the rising powers at the time.

Miscellaneous

 

THE CURIOUS CASE OF MRS. KLEPT

Published in 1809

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THE CURIOUS CASE OF MRS. KLEPT was Penton’s first play, written under the guise of famed playwright Dame Yuliya Styrne (aka Bianca la Fleur) and submitted as part of the company’s playwriting competition. Although it only scored second prize and was never performed on stage, it is a witty period assessment of lawyers in the Petrine era. In kind with his character, it details the discernible corruption that stymied the legal system.

 

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THE ALMARIS BUCKETBALL ASSOCIATION

Created in 1845

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THE ALMARIS BUCKETBALL ASSOCIATION was the creation of Penton. It formalized existing bucketball leagues and was one of the first sports leagues ever, but it is by far the most notable. Although successors have tried to replicate the success of bucketball, notably folkball, it remains an undisputed fascination for many.

[Malins Welcome 740]

A certain elf's bright day becomes brighter seeing the works of his old friend being preserved into the future. A larger corpus than he had thought, even.

[Wretched Aidan 455]

A Gendik man having discovered Henry Penton solely through his music decades upon decades after his death, smiles as he can now enjoy more of his composed works.