I'm not sure of the specific main authors, but many different writers contribute to this genre.
The working - class individuals were the primary audience. Penny dreadfuls were a cheap form of entertainment. Since they cost just a penny, factory workers, for instance, could afford to buy them. They provided an escape from the daily drudgery of their lives with their exciting and often sensational stories.
There's often a detective character who is trying to solve the crimes. Their name might vary from story to story but they are usually smart and tenacious.
They are often filled with thrilling and suspenseful plots. For example, they might involve mystery, crime, and adventure. The stories were usually aimed at a mass audience, especially the working class, and were quite affordable.
They often have elements of horror and mystery. The stories typically involve complex characters and dark, atmospheric settings.
They are often highly sensational. Penny dreadfuls were known for their exciting and sometimes lurid plots to attract readers. They usually had simple language so that they could be accessible to a wide range of people, including those with limited education. And they were often serialized, which kept readers coming back for more installments.
In 'The String of Pearls: A Romance', the main focus is on Sweeney Todd and the people around him in London. There are also the victims of Todd's murderous spree, who, although not always fully developed characters, are important in creating the overall atmosphere of dread and horror in the story.
Some of the well - known top penny dreadful stories include 'Varney the Vampire'. It was one of the most popular ones with its spooky and thrilling vampire - related plot that really captured the imagination of the readers at that time.
There are some specialized websites dedicated to archiving old and free literary works. Search for those that deal with Victorian - era literature as penny dreadfuls were popular during that time. However, make sure the website is legal and reliable. Another option could be to check with local book clubs or second - hand bookstores; sometimes they might have information on where to get free penny dreadful original stories.
The unique settings are quite interesting. They often take place in dark, gritty urban environments that add to the overall sense of mystery and danger.
The main creators of the Penny Dreadful origin story were a collection of mostly unknown writers in the 19th century. These were writers who were looking to make a living by catering to the growing demand for cheap, exciting literature among the working - class population. They were influenced by the gothic literature of the time as well as the general fascination with the macabre. There were no single, big - name authors in the beginning. It was more of a grassroots effort within the publishing industry to meet the needs of a new readership.