Jack Sheppard (eBook)

Historical Novel

William Harrison Ainsworth (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2023
455 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654771825-3 (EAN)

Infos

William Harrison Ainsworth's "Jack Sheppard" is a riveting historical novel set in 18th-century England, revolving around the infamous escapades of the real-life criminal Jack Sheppard. Ainsworth's narrative is steeped in vivid descriptions and dramatic tension, employing a rich, yet accessible literary style that balances Victorian sentimentality with a robust exploration of crime and punishment. The novel's context reflects a burgeoning fascination with both the criminal underworld and the complexities of social justice, capturing the tensions between the raucous lives of the lower classes and the rigid structures of society. The combination of romance, adventure, and moral reflection provides a compelling exploration of societal norms and deviations therein. Ainsworth, a contemporary of Charles Dickens, was deeply influenced by the ballad tradition and the public's appetite for tales of rogues and villains. His vivid portrayals of heroes and anti-heroes draw from his own experiences and research, reflecting the social issues of his time. As a successful novelist, Ainsworth thrived under the patronage of the reading public, seeking to entertain while providing commentary on the penal system and the nature of crime. "Jack Sheppard" is highly recommended for readers interested in historical fiction that doesn't shy away from the grit of its subject matter. Through Ainsworth's masterful storytelling, readers will find themselves immersed in a tumultuous world of intrigue, rebellion, and resilience. The novel stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit, making it a worthwhile addition to both literary and historical collections.

Autor

William Harrison Ainsworth (1805-1882) was an acclaimed English novelist born in Manchester. Ainsworth's literary career was marked by historical romance novels that often intertwined with gothic elements. A contemporary of Charles Dickens, Ainsworth held a significant place in Victorian literature, primarily known for his vivid portrayal of historical events using a dramatic narrative style. His novel 'Jack Sheppard' (1839), inspired by the real-life 18th-century criminal, is a notable work that exemplifies Ainsworth's skill in creating compelling, if somewhat romanticized, representations of historical figures. The book spurred a fascination with the eponymous protagonist and contributed to a prevailing 'Newgate novel' trend, focusing on the lives and exploits of criminals. While it charmed the reading public, it did attract criticism for allegedly glorifying crime. Despite the controversy, 'Jack Sheppard' remained one of Ainsworth's most popular works, cementing his status as a master storyteller capable of blending historical accuracy with melodramatic flair. Ainsworth's works provide valuable insights into 19th-century attitudes and are still studied for their unique blend of historical fact, gothic fantasy, and a storytelling style that brings the past to life with a sense of immediacy and adventure.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 11.11.2023
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Historische Romane
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Krimi / Thriller / Horror ► Historische Kriminalromane
• Schlagworte: 18th century london • 18th-century London • 19th century historical fiction • British historical novels • Christian fiction books • classic historical novel • criminal ingenuity • criminal lore • criminal underworld story • english literature classics • fast-paced narrative • Georgian England adventure • Gothic storytelling • Historical Authenticity • Historical crime fiction • historical fiction romance • Ivanhoe • Jack Sheppard escapades • Ken Follett • legal studies background • Literary Drama • Morality Play • Newgate prison novels • notorious thief tale • Old Bailey crime stories • Oliver Twist • Resilience theme • rogue hero • Suspenseful plot twists • The Color Purple • The Dressmaker's Gift • The Keepers of the House • The MacKinnon's Bride • The Storyteller's Secret • victorian era literature • Victorian Literature • Vivid Character Portrayals • what the wind knows • where the crawdads sing • William Harrison Ainsworth novels