Ainsworth uses his female characters in two ways, exemplified by the Cassandra-like Elizabeth Orton, who warns Fawkes of his future, and Viviana Radcliffe, a figure of feminine beauty that dies. Hogge traces the lives of these gentlemen from their schooling on the continent, their dangerous journey back home, and their trip to the gallows. Removing the benefit of hindsight and the partisan views of Catholics and Protestants, Travers allows 17th-century voices to speak out.

Fascinating facts about the man who was discovered in the cellars of the Houses of Parliament with 36 barrels of gunpowder. Holland describes these in gruesome detail—the rack, partial hanging, emasculation, disembowelment, beheading, and more. The Jacobean establishment found the gunpowder treason a heaven-sent opportunity to negate Jesuit influence in England. By the time young Guy, now using the affected Italian name Guido, was back in England, his Catholicism had so deepened. This explosive read, accompanied with beautiful illustrations, is accessible and engaging, combining contemporary accounts with modern analysis to reveal new motivations behind Guy’s actions.The official receipt from the Ordnance depot in the Tower, where the confiscated barrels were taken, describes the powder as "decayed".

It’s the first book I’ve read by the author but I’d happily read more and, I think, for anyone who wants an introduction to the events leading up to November 5th, 1605, this is a brilliant place to start.Fawkes's vision of St Winifred on his trip to her well, a Catholic shrine, also tells him that the plot will fail, because Heaven does not approve of it. These books provide various perspectives on the historical event, from detailed accounts to the cultural impact of Guy Fawkes Day in contemporary society.