The Notorious Impostor (1692); Diego Redivivus (1692)

This audio brings to life a pair of 1692 pamphlets that sit at the crossroads of essay, biography and early novel, offering a rare glimpse into the birth of English criminal fiction. Written by playwright Elkanah Settle and an anonymous contributor, the texts trace the sensational exploits of William Morrell, a real‑life impostor whose brazen schemes ignited London gossip in the late seventeenth century. The introduction frames the work as a key example of how factual memoirs and imaginative storytelling merged to create the picaresque tradition that would shape later novelists.

Listening to the narration, you’ll meet a cast of familiar local figures—Sir William Walters, Humphrey Wickham, and other colorful characters—each portrayed with a sharp, satirical edge. Settle’s prose swings between vivid courtroom drama and witty commentary, revealing how Morrell’s audacious deceptions exposed the fragile morals of a society obsessed with reputation. The narrative builds toward the moment when Morrell’s fortunes finally turn, leaving listeners to wonder how his relentless scheming will catch up with him.