Old Saint Paul's: A Tale of the Plague and the Fire (eBook)

William Harrison Ainsworth (1805-1882) was a prolific English historical novelist, whose work gained popularity in the 19th century for its vivid depiction of England's past. His literary career was marked by historical romances filled with adventure, often focusing on notable historical events. One such example is Ainsworth's 'Old Saint Paul's: A Tale of the Plague and the Fire' (1841), which provides a dramatic narrative of the Great Plague of London in 1665 and the Great Fire that followed in 1666. Ainsworth's approach to history was characterized by blending accurate historical details with fictional characters and events, which appealed to the Victorian audience's fascination with history and provided an accessible window to the past. His ability to create thrilling tales around historical occurrences, complete with engaging characters and moral themes, greatly contributed to the genre's popularity during his time. Ainsworth's penchant for gothic elements also led to his comparison with contemporaries like Charles Dickens. His legacy, though somewhat diminished compared to his peers, remains significant in the oeuvre of historical fiction, as his books continue to be of interest to scholars tracing the evolution of the historical novel genre.