Eighteenth Century Waifs by John Ashton

"Eighteenth Century Waifs" by John Ashton is a collection of historical essays and biographical sketches written in the late 19th century. The book delves into various phases of social life and notable figures from the 18th century, presenting stories that largely remain lesser-known and have not previously appeared in magazines. The topics are diverse, likely appealing to readers interested in history, biography, and the nuanced details of past cultures. The opening of the book features a captivating introductory chapter that discusses the phenomenon of religious fanaticism, exemplified through the story of Roderick, a charismatic yet misguided leader on the remote island of St. Kilda. The chapter outlines how Roderick gained influence over the island's inhabitants under the guise of divine inspiration, promoting rigorous and often bizarre religious practices that led to societal upheaval. Ashton paints a vivid picture of the superstitious and somewhat isolated life of the St. Kildans as they navigate their belief in this deceptive figure, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of social dynamics and historical context throughout the rest of the work. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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About this eBook

Author Ashton, John, 1834-1911
LoC No. 04018720
Title Eighteenth Century Waifs
Alternate Title 18th Century Waifs
Credits Produced by Chris Curnow and the Online Distributed
Proofreading Team at www.pgdp.net (This file was
produced from images generously made available by The
Internet Archive)
Reading Level Reading ease score: 62.4 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.
Language English
LoC Class DA: History: General and Eastern Hemisphere: Great Britain, Ireland, Central Europe
Subject Great Britain -- Social life and customs -- 18th century
Category Text
eBook-No. 50507
Release Date
Last Update Oct 22, 2024
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
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