Boscobel; or, the royal oak: A tale of the year 1651

Name: Boscobel; or, the royal oak: A tale of the year 1651
Author: William Harrison Ainsworth

By William Harrison Ainsworth

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British Literature

About This Book

The narrative follows a defeated monarch's desperate flight after a lost battle, recounting his concealment in a woodland tree, the aid of resolute rural families, narrow escapes from pursuers, and the supportive local landscape. Interweaving action with careful topographical description, the tale alternates scenes of military engagement and intimate domestic episodes, emphasizing themes of loyalty, courage, and rustic devotion. Period detail and antiquarian research inform vivid portrayals of houses, lanes, and hideouts as the fugitive moves from one sanctuary to another until a final covert passage to safety by sea.

About the Author

William Harrison Ainsworth

William Harrison Ainsworth was an English historical novelist and playwright, active during the 19th century. He is best known for his vivid storytelling and engaging historical narratives, which often blend fact with fiction. Ainsworth's notable works include "Jack Sheppard," a tale of a notorious criminal, and "Old Saint Paul's," which explores the Great Plague and the Great Fire of London. His novels frequently feature themes of adventure and romance, set against richly detailed historical backdrops. Ainsworth's contributions to literature reflect the Victorian fascination with history and the dramatic, making him a significant figure in the genre of historical fiction.