"When London Burned" is a gripping historical novel written by G. A. Henty that transports readers to the dramatic events of the Great Fire of London in 1666. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a city engulfed in chaos and destruction. The book follows the experiences of Ralph, a young protagonist caught in the midst of a devastating fire. As the flames ravage the city, Ralph finds himself facing perilous situations, witnessing the destruction of iconic landmarks, and navigating the chaos alongside his family and friends. The author's meticulous research and attention to historical detail bring the Great Fire of London to life, vividly portraying the terror and despair that engulfed the city. The novel not only showcases the physical destruction but also delves into the resilience and determination of the Londoners as they rebuild their lives and their city from the ashes. The immersive storytelling of Sir Henty transports readers to a pivotal moment in London's history, providing valuable insights into the impact of a catastrophic event and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
English author and war correspondent George Alfred Henty lived from 8 December 1832 to 16 November 1902. He is most well-known for his historical fiction and adventure books, including The Dragon & The Raven (1886), For The Temple (1888), Under Drake's Flag (1883), and In Freedom's Cause (1883). (1885). He was a British journalist who served as G. A. Henty's war correspondent. He was raised in Cambridge and finished his education there at Gonville and Caius College. He continued to cover important wars that followed, such as the Italian and Austro-Italian Wars. He wrote 122 books, most of which were geared toward young readers. He also wrote non-fiction, adult fiction, and short tales. In Henty's stories, the main character is a boy or young man who is going through a challenging situation. His characters are consistently low-key, astute, courageous, truthful, and resourceful with a lot of "pluck." The date was put at the bottom of the title page of each of Henty's 122 historical fiction works in their first printings.
