1666: Plague, War and Hellfire
1666: Plague, War and Hellfire by Rebecca Rideal, published by John Murray in 2016, explores a pivotal year in England marked by significant turmoil and transformation. This edition delves into the Great Plague, the second Dutch War, and the Great Fire of London, presenting a comprehensive overview of these events and their profound impacts on the nation. Drawing from original archival research and lesser-known sources, Rideal provides insights into a time of both devastation and remarkable progress.
Readers will find a detailed examination of how these catastrophic events shaped England’s trajectory, alongside the remarkable achievements in science and art during this period. The narrative highlights key figures such as Isaac Newton and John Milton, showcasing their contributions amidst the chaos. Through a blend of historical context and vivid storytelling, this book reveals a country on the brink of modernity, offering a unique perspective on a year that significantly altered the course of history.
Official synopsis Publisher
1666 was a watershed year for England. An outbreak of the Great Plague, the eruption of the second Dutch War, and the devastating Great Fire of London all struck the country in rapid succession and with devastating repercussions.
Shedding light on these dramatic events and their context, historian Rebecca Rideal reveals an unprecedented period of terror and triumph. Based in original archival research drawing on little-known sources, 1666 opens with the fiery destruction of London before taking readers on a thrilling journey through a crucial turning point in English history as seen through the eyes of an extraordinary cast of historical characters.
While the central events of this significant year were ones of devastation and defeat, 1666 also offers a glimpse of the incredible scientific and artistic progress being made at that time, from Isaac Newton’s discovery of gravity to the establishment of The London Gazette. It was in this year that John Milton completed Paradise Lost, Frances Stewart posed for the iconic image of Britannia, and a young architect named Christopher Wren proposed a plan for a new London—a stone phoenix to rise from the charred ashes of the old city.
With flare and style, 1666 exposes readers to a city and a country on the cusp of modernity and a series of events that altered the course of history.
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