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

Name: Old Saint Paul's: A Tale of the Plague and the Fire
Author: William Harrison Ainsworth

By William Harrison Ainsworth

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British Literature Novels

About This Book

A panoramic historical narrative follows Londoners through a devastating plague and the later conflagration, tracing domestic and public responses: a merchant household that seals itself against contagion, street scenes of sickness and burial, quack remedies, moral reckonings, and the operation of civic and religious institutions. The account moves from the height of the pestilence into evacuation, recovery, and the chaos of widespread fires that consume churches and neighborhoods, portraying individual acts of courage and failure while reflecting on faith, social duty, and human endurance amid urban catastrophe.

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.