Boscobel

William Harrison Ainsworth turns the flight of Charles II after the Battle of Worcester into one of the most romantic and suspenseful episodes in English history. Against the backdrop of a beautiful but vulnerable city, he traces the loyalist hopes, Parliamentarian alarms, and desperate military preparations that lead to the king's defeat and escape. Worcester itself becomes a vivid character: ancient, proud, strained by war, and split between republican control and secret devotion to the monarchy. As the royal army advances, Colonel John James faces a grim defense, while citizens whisper of restoration and triumph. Secret letters, truce talks, and hostile reconnoitring sharpen the tension until Charles's refusal of surrender sends the story into full flight. From there, the novel follows his perilous passage through White Ladies, the Royal Oak, Moseley Old Hall, Abbots Leigh, and Trent, with the Penderels, Jane Lane, and other steadfast helpers guiding him from one refuge to another. Disguises, narrow escapes, betrayal, and concealment in the oak tree create a richly detailed historical adventure rooted in local legend, patriotic feeling, and careful topographical research. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.