The Convict: A Tale

"The Convict: A Tale" by G. P. R. James is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The story appears to explore themes of class, ambition, and human affairs, primarily through the lens of its central character, Edward, a young man torn between his academic ambitions and his struggles against the constraints of fortune. Further complicating his life are the expected entanglements with other characters, including a young nobleman and the alluring Helen Clive, whose broken arm incident serves as a catalyst for the unfolding events. The opening of the novel introduces Edward, a dedicated young student at St. John's College, Cambridge. He is engrossed in his studies yet feels a sense of weariness and unfulfillment, grappling with thoughts of his lost noble heritage and the weight of familial expectations. An elderly relative encourages him to accept a position as a tutor to Lord Hadley, a young nobleman embarking on a continental tour. This scenario sets stage for Edward’s internal conflict and external relationships, notably his connection with the soon-to-be-injured Helen Clive and the implications of class differences. In parallel, the narrative shifts to a dark, stormy night on the English coast, where a group of men is engaged in suspicious activities, hinting at the undercurrents of crime and societal judgment that will likely play a role in the story. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

George Payne Rainsford James, was an English novelist and historical writer, the son of a physician in London. He was for many years British Consul at various places in the United States and on the Continent. He held the honorary office of British Historiographer Royal during the last years of William IV's reign.