Jack Sheppard: A Romance by William Harrison Ainsworth

(3 User reviews)   1555
By Abil Kile Posted on Nov 15, 2025
In Category - Neval
Ainsworth, William Harrison, 1805-1882 Ainsworth, William Harrison, 1805-1882
English
If you think you know the story of Jack Sheppard, think again! Ainsworth’s classic isn't just about an 18th-century thief who kept escaping from prison—though he does that a lot, and it's thrilling. This is a wild ride through the grimy, gin-soaked streets of London, where a young man born into poverty fights the brutal justice system. But here’s the twist: is Jack a folk hero fighting an unfair world, or is he just making everything worse? The book throws you right into that moral gray area. It’s packed with narrow escapes, shocking betrayals, and a villain so cruel you’ll love to hate him. Forget dry history; this feels like a binge-worthy series about the original escape artist.
Share

Read "Jack Sheppard: A Romance by William Harrison Ainsworth" Online

This book is available in the public domain. Start reading the digital edition below.

START READING FULL BOOK
Instant Access    Mobile Friendly

Book Preview

A short preview of the book’s content is shown below to give you an idea of its style and themes.

3. The Content must be used solely for a non-commercial purpose. Although this blanket permission to reproduce the Content is given freely such that no special permission is required, the Bahá’í International Community retains full copyright protection for all Content included at this Site under all applicable national and international laws. For permission to publish, transmit, display or otherwise use the Content for any commercial purpose, please contact us (http://reference.bahai.org/en/contact.html). CONTENTS Baha’i Terms of Use Preface Introduction A Description of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas by Shoghi Effendi The Kitáb-i-Aqdas Some Texts Revealed By Bahá’u’lláh Supplementary To The Kitáb-i-Aqdas The Tablet of Ishráqát Long Obligatory Prayer Medium Obligatory Prayer Short Obligatory Prayer Prayer For The Dead Questions And Answers Synopsis And Codification Of The Laws And Ordinances Of The Kitáb-i-Aqdas Summary Of Contents Synopsis And Codification Notes 1. the sweet-smelling savour of My garment #4 2. We have unsealed the choice Wine with the fingers of might and power. #5 3. We have enjoined obligatory prayer upon you #6 4. nine rak’áhs #6 5. at noon and in the morning and the evening #6 6. We have relieved you of a greater number #6 7. When ye desire to perform this prayer, turn ye towards the Court of My Most Holy Presence, this Hallowed Spot that God hath ... decreed to be the Point of Adoration for the denizens of the Cities of Eternity #6 8. and when the Sun of Truth and Utterance shall set, turn your faces towards the Spot that We have ordained for you #6 9. We have set forth the details of obligatory prayer in another Tablet. #8 10. the Prayer for the Dead #8 11. six specific passages have been sent down by God, the Revealer of Verses #8 12. Hair doth not invalidate your prayer, nor aught from which the spirit hath departed, such as bones and the like. Ye are free to wear the fur of the sable as ye would that of the beaver, the squirrel, and other animals #9 13. We have commanded you to pray and fast from the beginning of maturity #10 14. He hath exempted from this those who are weak from illness or age #10 15. God hath granted you leave to prostrate yourselves on any surface that is clean, for We have removed in this regard the limitation that had been laid down in the Book # 10 16. Let him that findeth no water for ablution repeat five times the words "In the Name of God, the Most Pure, the Most Pure", and then proceed to his devotions. #10 17. In regions where the days and nights grow long, let times of prayer be gauged by clocks and other instruments that mark the passage of the hours. #10 18. We have absolved you from the requirement of performing the Prayer of the Signs. #11 19. Save in the Prayer for the Dead, the practice of congregational prayer hath been annulled. #12 20. God hath exempted women who are in their courses from obligatory prayer and fasting. #13 21. When travelling, if ye should stop and rest in some safe spot, perform ye—men and women alike—a single prostration in place of each unsaid Obligatory Prayer #14 22. Upon completing your prostrations, seat yourselves cross-legged #14 23. Say: God hath made My hidden love the key to the Treasure #15 24. O Pen of the Most High! #16 25. We have enjoined upon you fasting during a brief period #16 26. and at its close have designated for you Naw-Rúz as a feast #16 27. Let the days in...

This is a limited preview. Download the book to read the full content.

Let's set the scene: London in the 1720s. It's a city of stark contrasts, from filthy slums to grand houses. This is where we meet Jack Sheppard, a young carpenter's apprentice. His life takes a dark turn thanks to the scheming Jonathan Wild, a so-called 'Thief-Taker General' who is actually the kingpin of London's criminal underworld. Pushed into a life of crime, Jack becomes famous not for his thefts, but for his unbelievable talent: escaping from every prison they throw him in, including the dreaded Newgate.

The Story

The plot follows Jack's dramatic rise and fall. We see him transform from a wronged apprentice into the most wanted man in London. Each escape is more daring than the last, making him a legend among the poor. But Wild is always hunting him, turning the screw tighter. The story isn't just a chase; it's a deep look at the corruption of the time, where the line between lawman and criminal was dangerously blurry. Jack's personal relationships, especially with his mother and his love, add a heartbreaking layer to all the action.

Why You Should Read It

I loved this book because it refuses to give easy answers. Jack is charming and you root for him, but Ainsworth doesn't shy away from the consequences of his choices. Jonathan Wild is a fantastic villain—hypocritical, powerful, and utterly ruthless. The historical detail is woven in so well you can almost smell the coal smoke and hear the crowd's roar at Tyburn. It reads like a classic adventure but makes you think about justice, poverty, and what makes a true hero.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves a fast-paced historical adventure with moral complexity. If you enjoy stories about rebels, anti-heroes, or vivid historical settings, you'll devour this. It's a gripping, atmospheric page-turner that proves some stories from the past still have a fierce, beating heart.



📚 Legal Disclaimer

No rights are reserved for this publication. Use this text in your own projects freely.

Jessica Johnson
1 month ago

If you enjoy this genre, it challenges the reader's perspective in an intellectual way. I couldn't put it down.

Jessica Jones
7 months ago

Read this on my tablet, looks great.

Margaret Young
2 years ago

The fonts used are very comfortable for long reading sessions.

5
5 out of 5 (3 User reviews )

Add a Review

Your Rating *
There are no comments for this eBook.
You must log in to post a comment.
Log in


Related eBooks