John Inglesant

John Inglesant cover
Good Books rating 4.03
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Technical
  • ID: 6917
  • Added: 2025-12-05
  • Updated: 2025-12-05
  • Published: 1882-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

John Inglesant is a historical novel that follows the life of its eponymous protagonist, a young Englishman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual exploration during the tumultuous 17th century. Set against the backdrop of the English Civil War, the novel delves into the philosophical and religious debates of the time, as Inglesant encounters a variety of characters and experiences that shape his worldview. /n/n The book is notable for its rich historical detail and its exploration of the complex interplay between personal belief and societal upheaval. It offers a compelling narrative that combines adventure, introspection, and a deep dive into the intellectual currents of the era.

Reviews
Librivox Forum · 2023-08-29
positive 4.50

The novel is celebrated as the best-known work of the author, embodying a spirit of mysticism in fiction. It is considered a perfect representation of this mystical spirit.

This review from the Librivox Forum praises 'John Inglesant' as the most renowned work by Joseph Henry Shorthouse. The reviewer highlights the novel's perfect embodiment of a mystical spirit in fiction, making it a standout piece. The discussion suggests that the novel's depth and mysticism are its strongest points, appealing to readers interested in philosophical and spiritual themes.


Quick quotes

    'John Inglesant' is the best known of Mr. Shorthouse's novels

    it is also the most perfect embodiment of this spirit of mysticism in fiction

    the most perfect embodiment of this spirit of mysticism in fiction

Goodreads · 2023-01-01
mixed 3.60

The novel is praised for its sweeping historical, philosophical, and religious depth, though some descriptive parts are noted as plagiarized. The book is considered a significant work despite these issues.

This review highlights the novel's impressive scope and depth, covering historical, philosophical, and religious themes. The reviewer appreciates the book's ambition and impact, but they also mention that some descriptive parts are plagiarized, which slightly diminishes the overall experience. Despite this, the novel is still seen as a significant and worthwhile read.


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    Really awesome sweeping historical, philosophical, religious novel!

    ruined a little bit by the news that many of the descriptive parts of it are plagiarized

    It is so full of mistakes that it is almost impossible to read

Ebsco · 2023-01-01
positive 4.00

The novel is evaluated as a philosophical work derived from Tractarianism, reflecting the Oxford Movement of the mid-nineteenth century. It is seen as a significant product of its time.

This critical evaluation from Ebsco positions 'John Inglesant' as a notable philosophical novel rooted in Tractarianism. The reviewer discusses its origins in the Oxford Movement, highlighting its historical and philosophical significance. The novel is viewed as a product of its era, offering insights into the religious and philosophical debates of the time. The review emphasizes the novel's depth and its role in reflecting the intellectual climate of the mid-nineteenth century.


Quick quotes

    Judged as a philosophical novel, JOHN INGLESANT is a product of Tractarianism

    deriving from the Oxford Movement of mid-nineteenth century

    a product of Tractarianism, deriving from the Oxford Movement of mid-nineteenth century

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