Flashman Papers: Trivia for Cads Quiz

Answer: The Balliol College

The Captain of the Balliol College was a villain named John Charity Spring, a former Classics Don at Oriel College, Oxford. We are led to understand that Spring bore a significant grudge against the academic establishment, and ironically named his ship The Balliol College.

Answer: Pipers Fort

Harry was hailed by the British public as the Hector of Afghanistan. In truth, he shirked to the best of his ability to save his own skin, but was found unconscious with the Union Jack flag wrapped around his body.

Answer: James Brooke

James Brooke was granted the title of Rajah by the Sultan of Brunei. John Brooke was named as Rajah of Mudah by James Brooke in 1859 but was dis-inherited for "treason". Gladstone and Temple (Lord Palmerston) were former British Prime Ministers.

Answer: Elspeth

His own philandering notwithstanding, Flashman often repeats his devotion for Elspeth, despite his nagging suspicions that she has had dalliances of her own.

Answer: Houghmagandy

Houghmagandy - Flashman's wife hails from Scotland, the daughter of a Victorian Industrialist, so it's clear that the word hails from Scotland and some definitions indicate a cheery or jolly disposition, while some give more salacious descriptions. I just like the sound of the word.

Answer: A book by a famous Victorian author

You can understand Flashy's concern, as Flashman uses the derogatory term "trollop" to describe ladies of easy virtue throughout the Flashman papers! Lord Elgin was referring to Anthony Trollope's novel, "Dr Thorne". Elgin was said to have read this and Darwin's "Origin of the Species" for relaxation during the Peking expedition.

Answer: Retaliation for the misuse and torture of British Officials

Elgin wanted to send a clear message that kidnapping and torturing could not be used as a bargaining tool. The Yuanmingyuan was said to have burned for three days, and was ransacked and looted by British and French troops. The reference notes include critical observations from the British press that Elgin's decision was ironic in that he ordered the destruction of a man-made wonder of astounding beauty, yet his forbear, the 7th Earl of Elgin, obtained a permit to remove the beautiful Elgin or Parthenon Marbles from Greece.

A dispute which continues today.

Answer: A precious diamond

The Koh i Noor is a precious diamond believed to have been discovered in Andrha Pradesh, India, in the 13th century. It came into the possession of Queen Victoria in 1849.

Answer: Horse riding and languages

Though big for a Cavalry Officer, Flashman was a skilled horseman and adept at learning new languages. By his own admission, however, he intimates that the best way to learn a new language is through philandering.

Answer: Battle of Trafalgar

The Battle of Trafalgar took place in 1805. George Macdonald Fraser's character could not have been involved in this naval battle - the stories are set between 1839 and 1894. However, according to the "Flashman Papers", Flashy was shirking his duty in the Crimea Campaign, was involved in the Indian Mutiny sieges of Lucknow and Cawnpore and was an unwitting accomplice of John Brown at the Harper's Ferry raid.