Gunpowder: The Players Behind the Plot

by James Travers

The 1605 Catholic plot to blow up King and Parliament is one of the great real-life dramas in British history - and the unfortunate Guy Fawkes was just one member of its huge cast. Set against a backdrop of mounting religious tensions in Shakespearian England, it drew in people from all ranks of society, from royalty, lords, noblemen and priests, to women, soldiers, servants and spies. Supporting roles were even played by several leading contemporary playwrights, including William Shakespeare and Ben Jonson. 'Gunpowder' tells the story of the events of Oct 1605 to May 1606 through its key players and the original documentary evidence in which they appear. Presented in the style of a contemporary play, the book is divided into three Acts. Each Act provides an accessible outline of events, followed by sections on the key figures involved, including all the chief (and often unlikely) conspirators - from the handsome and charismatic ringleader Robert Catesby to the wealthy darling of the court Sir Everard Digby. These colourful sketches bring to life each person's character and role in the plot, and show their intriguing relationships with each other.Portraits, engravings and many previously unpublished letters and official documents (including confessions signed by the plotters) are reproduced throughout.

Genres: History

192 pages, Hardcover

First published November 15, 2005

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gunpowder plot has been viewed with infamy since the fateful day November 5th 1605 . The players in the plot were first and foremost human beings and such had the strengths and weaknesses. Travers explores the legendary events in a three act structure that focuses on each of the elements because the ramifications of the plot last for longer than one day. Chronologically speaking I was slightly confused about the timeline and it could have done with a portrait gallery of some kind as it was confusing as to who was who at some points. But nevertheless a good basis on the Gunpowder plot.