02358cam a22003013u 4500 12396 UtSlPG 20260610133308.0 m cr n 260607r2004||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PR Ainsworth, William Harrison, 1805-1882 The Star-Chamber: An Historical Romance, Volume 1 Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2004 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2004-05-01 Etext produced by Charles Franks and the Distributed Proofreaders Team HTML file produced by David Widger "The Star-Chamber: An Historical Romance, Volume 1" by William Harrison Ainsworth is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century. Set in early 17th century England, it delves into the oppressive atmosphere of the Star-Chamber court, a symbol of tyranny and injustice during that era. The story introduces key characters, such as the charming Madame Bonaventure, a tavern owner, and the sinister figures Sir Giles Mompesson and Sir Francis Mitchell, who embody the corrupt system that exploits the vulnerable. At the start of the novel, we are welcomed into the bustling world of the Three Cranes tavern, managed by the captivating Madame Bonaventure, who is known for her excellent wine and delightful dining experience. However, her establishment is threatened by the unscrupulous usurers Mompesson and Mitchell, who hold an ominous power over taverns through royal patents. The chapter highlights the growing tension between the tavern's hosts and the powerful extortionists, setting the stage for impending conflict as burgeoning societal injustices become evident in the interactions and struggles among the characters. The opening sets a richly detailed backdrop of a historical yet vividly imaginative world, promising readers a tale filled with drama, intrigue, and potential revenge. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Great Britain -- History -- James I, 1603-1625 -- Fiction https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/12396 53814 53814