When authors refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.
Historical References
- Monsieur Bertillon (1.64)
- Lord Clarendon's History of the Grand Rebellion (2.17)
- Admiral George Rodney, Royal Navy, fought on the British side during the American Revolution (13.46)
- William Pitt the Younger, British Prime Minister in the late 18th century (13.46); later, the owner of the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins
- Cavalier: During the English Civil Wars of the 17th century, the Cavaliers were Royalist supporters of King Charles I (who was beheaded anyway) (13.47)
- Swan and Edison: This was the local electric company in London at the time of the novel
Literary and Cultural References
- "the third and fourth generation which is threatened in Holy Writ": The Bible, Book of Exodus 20:5 (2.23)
- "the great convict prison of Princetown" (3.116; 6.33; 9.130; 12.111; 13.70)
- Godfrey Kneller, late 17th-century portrait painter (13.41)
- Joshua Reynolds, 18th-century British painter (13.41)
- Les Huguenots, opera by Giacomo Meyerbeer (15.27)
- the de Reszke family: a Polish family of singers (15.27)