One Truth: Have you read any other Thomas Costain's books? I enjoyed all of them that I've been able to find.
Down Yokel: the book about Octavious Winslow was fine food for thought ... made me consider (or 're-consider') a few aspects of my own walk. It cost me more than 77p (about $1.28 US) though...but well worth what I did pay.
I'm currently reading the 1902 book: Brewster's Millions. I enjoyed the Richard Pryor movie version back in the day ... but had always wanted to read the book to see how it was originally written. Quick read...humourous telling...can well understand why there have been many movie versions & plays based on it.