Compost for creativity: the worst and best of Victorian London brought to life
Joseph O’Connor’s vivid descriptive writing shows London in the 1880s as providing a sort of compost for creativity.
Shadowplay is an historical novel with strong literary credentials. Oscar Wilde and Mark Twain make brief appearances. Bernard Shaw, Walt Whitman and Hall Caine have offstage roles.
Get Instant Access
Continue Reading
Register for free to read this article in full
Subscribe for unlimited access
From just £37.50 quarterly
Print copy of The Tablet delivered directly to your door.
Complete access to all Tablet website content including all premium content.
Access to the weekly digital copy of The Tablet.
Full access to The Tablet’s archive – over 180 years of back issues.
Already a subscriber? Login
Help us keep The Tablet’s voice independent, clear and far-reaching.
Founded in 1840, The Tablet is the leading independent English-language Catholic weekly, celebrated for great writing, astute analysis, brilliant arts and books reviews and trustworthy reporting from correspondents in Britain, Ireland, Rome and across the world.
Independent, high-quality journalism is at the heart of what we do. The Tablet does not have deep pockets and we are not funded by rich donors. If you appreciate our work please consider supporting The Tablet’s Development Fund. It only takes a moment and you can cancel at any time.
- Support with £5 per month
- Support with £10 per month
- Support with other amount.
MOST READ ARTICLES
-
1
Pope Leo diagnosed with lung cancer after operation
-
2
The Tablet Lecture 2026: Keeping the dream of peace alive
-
3
Battling confession fatigue
-
4
Vatican confirms Pope’s Latin America travel plans despite operation
-
5
Archbishop bars Catholics from firing squad for US military execution
-
6
Under endless skies
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
