The Real Guy Fawkes

About this book

Guy Fawkes born in York in 1570 is one of the key figures in British history taking a central role in a plot that would have destroyed the ruling class and changed the nation forever. Today protesters wear his mask families burn his effigy and he is an instantly recognizable name and face. But just who was the real Guy Fawkes? In this new book we take an exciting look at the flesh and blood person behind the myth. We find out what radicalized the man who was born a Protestant and yet planned mass murder for the Catholic cause. The book takes a fresh look at Guys early life in York and beyond and examines how that led to him becoming a Catholic mercenary and a key member of the 1605 Gunpowder treason. This fresh new biography of Guys life removes the layers of complexity that can cloud the British history of this time: an era when fearful Catholics hid in tiny priest holes government spies were everywhere and even your closest friends could send you to be hung drawn and quartered. Guy and his conspirators were prepared to risk everything and endanger everyone but were they fanatics freedom fighters or fools? This explosive read accompanied with beautiful illustrations is accessible and engaging combining contemporary accounts with modern analysis to reveal new motivations behind Guys actions.