Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu (1814 -1873) was an Irish writer of Gothic novels, one of the most influential ghost story writers of the nineteenth century. Set in eighteen century Dublin, "Cock and Anchor" is a story of two lovers, young Edmond O'Connor and miss Mary Ashwoode. Being an unwanted pair for the Ashwoode family, this couple has to contend with the prejudices and outright tyranny of Mary's father, Sir Richard, and her brother Henry.