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Gunpowder, Treason and Plot
‘Please to remember, The Fifth of November, Gunpowder, treason and plot.’
Each year on the Fifth of November, bonfires are lit and fireworks are set off across England in celebration of a failed plot to destroy the houses of parliament in 1605. One that would seal Guy Fawkes’ name in infamy for centuries to come.
But what is the real story behind history’s best-known failure? What really happened when an elaborate plot against the King and his Parliament was discovered? Lettice Cooper brings to life an event that has captured the attention and imagination of English people for centuries in her inimitable style. History at its gripping best.
Gunpowder, Treason and Plot was originally published in 1970.
Each year on the Fifth of November, bonfires are lit and fireworks are set off across England in celebration of a failed plot to destroy the houses of parliament in 1605. One that would seal Guy Fawkes’ name in infamy for centuries to come.
But what is the real story behind history’s best-known failure? What really happened when an elaborate plot against the King and his Parliament was discovered? Lettice Cooper brings to life an event that has captured the attention and imagination of English people for centuries in her inimitable style. History at its gripping best.
Gunpowder, Treason and Plot was originally published in 1970.
124 pages, Paperback
First published November 2, 2012
6 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Lettice Cooper
36 books21 followersLettice Ulpha Cooper began to write stories when she was seven. She studied Classics at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford graduating in 1918.
She returned home after Oxford to work for her family's engineering firm and wrote her first novel, 'The Lighted Room' in 1925. She spent a year as associate edtior at 'Time and Tide' and during the Second World War worked for the Ministry of Food's public relations division. Between 1947 and 1957 she was fiction reviewer for the Yorkshire Post. She was one of the founders of the Writers' Action Group along with Brigid Brophy, Maureen Duffy, Francis King and Michael Levy and received an OBE for her work in achieving Public Lending Rights. In 1987 at the age of ninety she was awarded the Freedom of the City of Leeds.
She never married and died in Coltishall, Norfolk at the age of 96.
From Wikipedia
She returned home after Oxford to work for her family's engineering firm and wrote her first novel, 'The Lighted Room' in 1925. She spent a year as associate edtior at 'Time and Tide' and during the Second World War worked for the Ministry of Food's public relations division. Between 1947 and 1957 she was fiction reviewer for the Yorkshire Post. She was one of the founders of the Writers' Action Group along with Brigid Brophy, Maureen Duffy, Francis King and Michael Levy and received an OBE for her work in achieving Public Lending Rights. In 1987 at the age of ninety she was awarded the Freedom of the City of Leeds.
She never married and died in Coltishall, Norfolk at the age of 96.
From Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 5, 2018
As much as I celebrate Bonfire Night every November 5th I don't really remember much from school about the people involved. I remember the name Robert Catesby but not his general involvement and what happened to him. I remember Guy Fawkes night because 400 years later we still put his effigy on a bonfire ( us Brits hold grudges!) but I couldn't remember his exact role.
So this book then is a handy reminder for me and a very interesting telling of the events that led up to the plot to blow up King and Government. It packs a lot of information into such a short book. The novelisation of it allows the story to be told without being bogged down by convoluted language.
It's really enjoyable and covers a fascinating time in British history.
So this book then is a handy reminder for me and a very interesting telling of the events that led up to the plot to blow up King and Government. It packs a lot of information into such a short book. The novelisation of it allows the story to be told without being bogged down by convoluted language.
It's really enjoyable and covers a fascinating time in British history.
October 26, 2018
Whenever I see a group of protesters that includes black hooded people wearing Guy Fawkes masks, I get annoyed. The only thing more idiotic than this veneration of Guy Fawkes is the respect some people have for Che Guevara. These guys are monsters; let’s not pretend they are heroes. Guy Fawkes and the other members of the gunpowder plot had legitimate grievances, to be sure, but their plan to blow up parliament was terrorism and murder. It was also a terrible strategic idea that set the Catholic cause back with a violent backlash.
In Gunpowder, Treason and Plot, Lettice Cooper tells the story with brisk simplicity. If you’ve got a young reader with a taste for history in your house (as I do) then this is a book for them. Although old readers, such as myself, will like it as well. It’s an exciting story, with many lives on the line, and it reads like a thriller. A very simple thriller, but gripping because it all really happened.
In Gunpowder, Treason and Plot, Lettice Cooper tells the story with brisk simplicity. If you’ve got a young reader with a taste for history in your house (as I do) then this is a book for them. Although old readers, such as myself, will like it as well. It’s an exciting story, with many lives on the line, and it reads like a thriller. A very simple thriller, but gripping because it all really happened.
November 13, 2018
This is the kind of book that makes history interesting. I knew little of Guy Fawkes before this, but now I find myself googling for more information. This book is beautifully written, yet simplistic enough that it can engage young adults. I absolutely love historical fiction, and this book did not disappoint.
4 stars.
I received a copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars.
I received a copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2018
Overall, this was an enjoyable book. Although I've heard "Remember, remember, the fifth of November" more times than I can count, and have heard the 2 minute summary of Guy Fawkes' attempt to blow up Parliament several times in university history lectures, I didn't actually know many of the details of it. It was interesting to read about how they actually attempted to do it (transporting things, making the plan, surviving as Catholics)!
Stylistically, this isn't the most interesting read. It very much reads like a book written in the first half of the twentieth century, with fairly bland prose. Also, she specifically made a note in the beginning where she stated she only made up dialogue if it was absolutely needed- there was a quite a deal of dialogue. I might give it to a younger reader, the excitement of it all might go a long way!
Stylistically, this isn't the most interesting read. It very much reads like a book written in the first half of the twentieth century, with fairly bland prose. Also, she specifically made a note in the beginning where she stated she only made up dialogue if it was absolutely needed- there was a quite a deal of dialogue. I might give it to a younger reader, the excitement of it all might go a long way!
February 21, 2019
*I did receive a digital version of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.*
Having not studied the 1605 Gunpowder Plot before, I was interested in reading this book beforehand when I saw it. However, and this is completely my fault for not looking into it, the book itself is not what I normally read for history. A reprint from its original printing in 1970, Gunpowder, Treason and Plot by Lettice Cooper is narrative history of the events leading up to and surrounding the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 that was intended to blow up the House of Parliament. The first reason that this book is not something I normally read for history is that it is definitely intended for a much younger audience, probably elementary school or early middle school age if I had to guess. The second reason is that the book, partly since it is for younger readers, is that the book reads somewhat like historical fiction.
Even though after a page or two I realized that the book was not exactly what I was expecting, I decided to just go along with it anyways. The narrative certainly had elements of historical nonfiction as a general rule, such as with trivial actions made by the characters to create scenes and quite a large amount of dialogue. Normally these qualities in a nonfiction work are not what I like to see. However, it is understandable in this work in that it definitely would help younger readers to be engaged in the narrative as it certainly makes the events come to life much more than otherwise would be possible. Also, I did appreciate that the dialogue was focused and very plausible to what could have or would have been said. In fact the there is an author's note at the beginning of the book stating that historical records were used to create the action and that some of the dialogue also comes from these records and the rest was created only when lacking from the records.
The narrative itself is clear and straightforward even with using multiple points of view such as Guy Fawkes, some associates, and even King James I. This allowed for great characterization and development of motives behind many of the players involved with the Gunpowder Plot. Especially for young readers, this definitely aided in understanding why some of the historical figures made the decisions that they did in those moments and what some of their motivations were. The narrative isn't afraid of bringing up the historical record of persecutions and doesn't beat around the bush about how blowing up Parliament would kill many innocent people. The author did a good job with the different conspirators weighing the ethics and morality of their actions in a way that would be understood for the intended audience.
Overall Gunpowder, Treason and Plot by Lettice Cooper was a fast-paced blend of hard nonfiction and historical fiction about the conspiracy of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. The historical fiction elements of the book were a little much for my tastes, however they were done in an effective way, especially for a younger readership.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
Having not studied the 1605 Gunpowder Plot before, I was interested in reading this book beforehand when I saw it. However, and this is completely my fault for not looking into it, the book itself is not what I normally read for history. A reprint from its original printing in 1970, Gunpowder, Treason and Plot by Lettice Cooper is narrative history of the events leading up to and surrounding the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 that was intended to blow up the House of Parliament. The first reason that this book is not something I normally read for history is that it is definitely intended for a much younger audience, probably elementary school or early middle school age if I had to guess. The second reason is that the book, partly since it is for younger readers, is that the book reads somewhat like historical fiction.
Even though after a page or two I realized that the book was not exactly what I was expecting, I decided to just go along with it anyways. The narrative certainly had elements of historical nonfiction as a general rule, such as with trivial actions made by the characters to create scenes and quite a large amount of dialogue. Normally these qualities in a nonfiction work are not what I like to see. However, it is understandable in this work in that it definitely would help younger readers to be engaged in the narrative as it certainly makes the events come to life much more than otherwise would be possible. Also, I did appreciate that the dialogue was focused and very plausible to what could have or would have been said. In fact the there is an author's note at the beginning of the book stating that historical records were used to create the action and that some of the dialogue also comes from these records and the rest was created only when lacking from the records.
The narrative itself is clear and straightforward even with using multiple points of view such as Guy Fawkes, some associates, and even King James I. This allowed for great characterization and development of motives behind many of the players involved with the Gunpowder Plot. Especially for young readers, this definitely aided in understanding why some of the historical figures made the decisions that they did in those moments and what some of their motivations were. The narrative isn't afraid of bringing up the historical record of persecutions and doesn't beat around the bush about how blowing up Parliament would kill many innocent people. The author did a good job with the different conspirators weighing the ethics and morality of their actions in a way that would be understood for the intended audience.
Overall Gunpowder, Treason and Plot by Lettice Cooper was a fast-paced blend of hard nonfiction and historical fiction about the conspiracy of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. The historical fiction elements of the book were a little much for my tastes, however they were done in an effective way, especially for a younger readership.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
November 7, 2018
Thank you to netgalley.co.uk for giving me a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
When I first heard of the Gunpowder Plot, I was fascinated by it; it was probably a subject that made me interested in history, however, I never got to study the subject in depth which is odd as I have studied the reign of James I during my A-levels and found it interesting.
I enjoyed reading this book; the author did an amazing job with it. I thought the writing was really accessible and I understood what was going on, despite not having studied the period in almost ten years. I'm surprised that is my book by Lettice Cooper but it certainly won't be my last.
When I first heard of the Gunpowder Plot, I was fascinated by it; it was probably a subject that made me interested in history, however, I never got to study the subject in depth which is odd as I have studied the reign of James I during my A-levels and found it interesting.
I enjoyed reading this book; the author did an amazing job with it. I thought the writing was really accessible and I understood what was going on, despite not having studied the period in almost ten years. I'm surprised that is my book by Lettice Cooper but it certainly won't be my last.
October 13, 2019
Not bad
I felt a lot of information could have been fleshed out, but it's still an interesting read. OK book for quick guide to what happened
I felt a lot of information could have been fleshed out, but it's still an interesting read. OK book for quick guide to what happened
November 29, 2018
You've probably heard of Guy Fawkes and his foiled attempt to blow up Parliament. But do you know the whole story? If not, you must get a copy of this book. A historical novel based on accurate facts, Gunpowder, Treason and Plot is the perfect introduction to this historical event for a young adult audience. The writing style is a bit dated (you can tell it was written at the beginning of the 20th century) but still engaging enough to entertain young adults and mature readers alike. Overall, a very enjoyable read.
April 1, 2024
Celebrating the anniversary of a plot to blow up parliament, let alone to do so by *lighting a bonfire*, has always struck me as vaguely inappropriate.
Turns out that if you've just heard - by word-of-mouth - that the assassination of Protestant royals and parliamentarians by Catholic conspirators has been narrowly avoided, and you gather to rejoice in the street, and it's November in London, the best way to keep warm is by lightning a big fire. The fire isn't representative of anything. It's just cold outside.
So this book set me straight about that at least; otherwise, the promise in the epigraph that only the dialogue was invented actually makes me wish a few more things had been invented (such as, a motive for any of the conspirators - other than that they were devout Catholics).
tl;dr - I learned something, but this was a bit clunky.
Turns out that if you've just heard - by word-of-mouth - that the assassination of Protestant royals and parliamentarians by Catholic conspirators has been narrowly avoided, and you gather to rejoice in the street, and it's November in London, the best way to keep warm is by lightning a big fire. The fire isn't representative of anything. It's just cold outside.
So this book set me straight about that at least; otherwise, the promise in the epigraph that only the dialogue was invented actually makes me wish a few more things had been invented (such as, a motive for any of the conspirators - other than that they were devout Catholics).
tl;dr - I learned something, but this was a bit clunky.
November 27, 2016
The clue is sort of in the name here! This is the story of the whole plot to blow up parliament on the 5th of November 1605. A story that has been kept alive in English imaginations for 100s of years.
"Please to remember
The fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot
I see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot"
Lettice Cooper has written numerous books for adults and children. This one is supposed to be a children's book but I thought it wasn't really that suitable for a children's book. It's well written and historically accurate but I don't think a child would really engage with it. The style felt too grown up in my opinion.
Having said this it was very easy to read and I learnt a lot that I did not know about the plot. It was paced well and I liked the accompanying illustrations by Elisabeth Grant.
"Please to remember
The fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot
I see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot"
Lettice Cooper has written numerous books for adults and children. This one is supposed to be a children's book but I thought it wasn't really that suitable for a children's book. It's well written and historically accurate but I don't think a child would really engage with it. The style felt too grown up in my opinion.
Having said this it was very easy to read and I learnt a lot that I did not know about the plot. It was paced well and I liked the accompanying illustrations by Elisabeth Grant.
October 17, 2019
Interesting fictionalised, short and readable account. I found the logistics interesting - I'd never really thought how they went about physically getting hold of vast amounts of gunpowder and hiding it under the Houses of Parliament.
November 4, 2018
I thought at first that this was a regular history book about the gunpowder plot, but quickly realized that it was a storytelling version of it...which I think was actually better. I've never read anything about Guy Fawkes and this was a really good introduction to what was probably a very complicated and confusing time in British history. Good for book historians, younger people, out as an intro
I received this book for free in exchange for a fair review from net gallery. All opinions are my own.
I received this book for free in exchange for a fair review from net gallery. All opinions are my own.
November 5, 2018
A good historical fiction based on historical facts. I knew very little about Guy Fawkes and the historical periodo so this was an entertaining and informative read.
I loved the style of writing and the author is a great storyteller.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Agora Books and Netgalley for this ARC
I loved the style of writing and the author is a great storyteller.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Agora Books and Netgalley for this ARC
November 20, 2018
This was a really engaging and interesting novel. It was easy to forget that this was a novel based on historical accounts and get pulled into the story. I knew quite a bit of the history of the event, but this made it more real and less detached. The author warns in advance that most of the dialogue is likely in the vein of what was said, but cannot be verified, so anyone who reads this should do so for the pleasure of learning about the details rather than expecting it to help with a paper for coursework. The way the plot was laid out, how the players all came together and related to each other made this make so much more sense and feel more organic than a mere accounting of the plot to blow up Parliament, and the Catholic movement of the time.
December 26, 2018
Although the facts are true, this is written in the form of a novel - one which could easily be read by children. The oppression of Catholics by King James II is made clear and the characters and settings are well-drawn but there is a lot of dialogue. There is no analysis of the plot and its implications but this is an excellent book to read before looking into the Gunpowder Plot in more detail. I enjoyed it.
I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews