"John Inglesant: A Romance Vol. I" by John Henry Shorthouse is a captivating historical romance novel that delves into themes of religion, philosophy, and spiritual journey. As a work of fiction within Victorian literature, Shorthouse masterfully transports readers to 17th century England, where they follow the eponymous protagonist on a journey of intrigue and moral dilemmas. Set against a backdrop of religious turmoil, the novel explores John Inglesant's spiritual and philosophical evolution as he navigates the complexities of love and faith. Shorthouse skillfully weaves together elements of romance, historical detail, and character development, creating a rich tapestry of 17th century life and thought. Through Inglesant's experiences, readers are drawn into a world of political intrigue, religious conflict, and personal growth. With its exploration of religious themes and philosophical questions, "John Inglesant: A Romance Vol. I" offers readers a thought-provoking and engaging narrative that transcends time and place.
Joseph Henry Shorthouse was an English novelist. His debut work, John Inglesant, was praised as a "philosophical romance". It is about a theological intrigue in the English 17th century. Shorthouse was born on September 9, 1834, in Birmingham's Great Charles Street, the eldest of three sons to Joseph Shorthouse (1797-1880) and his wife, Mary Ann, née Hawker. He grew raised on Calthorpe Street in Edgbaston. His father inherited a family chemical factory that manufactured vitriol, and his mother's father established Birmingham's first glasshouse. Both family were Quaker. He received his education both at home and at Grove House School in Tottenham, and went on to become a chemical maker. On August 19, 1857, in the Friends meeting house in Warwick, he married a boyhood friend, Sarah Scott (1832-1909), the eldest daughter of John and Elizabeth Scott. Two significant events occurred. He and his wife joined the Church of England in 1861, and he suffered the first of numerous epileptic seizures in January 1862. Shorthouse later identified as a member of "the new Oxford school of High Churchmen," although he preferred the Anglican church's independence and reason to Roman Catholicism's rule over individual judgment.
