William Harrison Ainsworth's 'Old St Paul's' is a gripping and meticulously detailed historical novel, immersing readers in the cataclysmic events of 1665-1666. Ainsworth's narrative weaves a rich tapestry around the lives affected by the Great Plague and the subsequent Great Fire of London. Through a mixture of romance and resilience, the novel explores the plight of the grocer Stephen Bloundel, capturing the historical context with vivid depictions of societal and personal turmoil amidst the pestilence that threatens to consume London. Ainsworth's prose radiates the style of the mid-19th century, replete with florid language and dramatism, typical of Victorian romantic-historical fiction, resonating with the works of his contemporaries like Dickens and Thackeray.
A celebrated figure in Victorian literature, William Harrison Ainsworth achieved fame with his historical potboilers, which often blended true historical events with adventurous and melodramatic flair. His interest in history and penchant for the macabre are evident in 'Old St Paul's'. Drawing from the traumatic past of one of the world's great cities, he meticulously researched the period, capturing the despair of the plague and the subsequent chaos of the fire, tying it intimately to the moral and social quandaries faced by his characters.
'Old St Paul's' is highly recommended for those keen on Victorian literature and historical novels. Ainsworth's work not only provides a window into the struggles of 17th-century Londoners but also serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in times of great distress. Readers who appreciate a blend of historical authenticity with melodramatic storytelling will find themselves captivated by the novel's rich descriptions and intricate plot. This book is an essential read for a deep understanding of the perilous times that shaped London's history and the narrative craft of one of the period's noteworthy scribes.
