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An Historical Narrative of the Great and Terrible Fire of London, Sept. 2nd 1666   By:

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Gideon Harvey presents readers with a detailed and eye-opening account of one of history's most catastrophic events in his work, An Historical Narrative of the Great and Terrible Fire of London, Sept. 2nd 1666. Through meticulous research and comprehensive storytelling, Harvey's narrative transports readers back to the chaotic streets of London during this devastating period.

The author sets the stage by depicting the London of the 17th century, its prominent landmarks, and the bustling lives of its citizens. This background information allows readers to appreciate the magnitude of the disaster that unfolded on that fateful day. Harvey's attention to detail is commendable, as he vividly describes the urban landscape, the architecture, and the social structure of the time. This contextualization adds depth to the narrative, making it all the more engaging.

As the harrowing account of the fire begins, Harvey expertly conveys the frantic atmosphere that consumed London. His meticulous research shines through, as he presents readers with a comprehensive chronology, describing the sequence of events that led to the uncontrollable spread of the flames. The author's ability to balance historical facts with a compelling narrative drives the story forward, keeping readers hooked and eager to learn more.

Moreover, Harvey excels at humanizing the tragedy by presenting the personal experiences of individuals affected by the fire. Through firsthand accounts and historical documents, he paints a vivid picture of the emergence of heroism, despair, and desperation that accompanied this disaster. This approach provides a poignant reminder that history is not just about grand events, but also about the human experiences and emotions that accompany them.

One of the notable strengths of Harvey's narrative lies in his ability to analyze the aftermath of the fire. He delves into the rebuilding efforts and the socio-economic consequences, shedding light on the lasting impact this event had on London's cityscape and its inhabitants. By exploring these aspects, the author ensures that the Great Fire of London is not portrayed as a mere historical blip but as a transformative event that shaped the city for centuries to come.

Despite the author's thoroughness and attention to detail, there are moments when the narrative can feel overwhelming. The extensive cast of characters, combined with intricate descriptions of the city and its architecture, may prove challenging for readers not well-versed in this specific historical period. However, Harvey's lucid prose and engaging storytelling largely compensate for this minor drawback.

In conclusion, Gideon Harvey's An Historical Narrative of the Great and Terrible Fire of London, Sept. 2nd 1666 is an indispensable addition to any history enthusiast's bookshelf. Through his exhaustive research and compelling storytelling, Harvey immerses readers in the heart of this catastrophic event, providing a unique and comprehensive account of the tragedy that forever changed the face of London. Whether you are a history buff or simply seeking a captivating and informative read, this book delivers on all fronts.

First Page:

GREAT AND TERRIBLE FIRE OF LONDON, SEPT. 2ND 1666

E text prepared by Steven Gibbs, Linda Cantoni, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net)

Transcriber's note:

This e book, a pamphlet by Gideon Harvey, was originally published in 1769, and was prepared from a reprint in The Novels and Miscellaneous Works of Daniel De Foe , vol. 5 (London: Henry G. Bohn, 1855), in which it complemented a reprint of Defoe's A Journal of the Plague Year .

Archaic spellings have been retained as they appear in the original, and obvious printer's errors have been corrected without note.

AN

HISTORICAL NARRATIVE

OF THE

GREAT and TERRIBLE

FIRE of LONDON,

Sept. 2nd 1666

HISTORICAL NARRATIVE

OF

THE FIRE OF LONDON.

No sooner was the plague so abated in London that the inhabitants began to return to their habitations, than a most dreadful fire broke out in the city, and raged as if it had commission to devour everything that was in its way. On the second of September, 1666, this dismal fire broke out at a baker's shop in Pudding lane by Fish street, in the lower part of the city, near Thames street, (among rotten wooden houses ready to take fire, and full of combustible goods) in Billingsgate ward; which ward in a few hours was laid in ashes... Continue reading book >>




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