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    409 Results with the "Historical Fiction" genre


    • O: ARTHUR: By the River Thames, 1871–2 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Arthur finds himself engulfed in a whirlwind of social events following the success of his lecture at the Society of Biblical Archaeology. With invitations from prestigious educational societies and exclusive gentlemen's clubs pouring in, he finds himself rubbing shoulders with high society. Dressed in their finest silk cravats and indulging in extravagant meals such as turtle soup, Arthur is initially dazzled by the opulence around him. However, despite the luxurious surroundings of gilded mirrors and…
    • O: ARTHUR: By the River Thames, 1871 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Arthur walks quickly through the crowded streets of Piccadilly on a warm June day in 1871, his mind consumed by the complexities of his life. Clutched in his hand is a scented silk handkerchief, a symbol of his attempt to control the details of his appearance, now that he has decided to grow a beard. In his pocket, he carries a perfume he meticulously formulated using an ancient Mesopotamian recipe created by Tapputi, a renowned female parfumier. This scent not only speaks to his dedication to his work but…
    • O: ARTHUR: By the River Thames, 1857–8 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Arthur begins his journey at the British Museum in 1857–58, stepping into a new chapter of his life with both excitement and apprehension. He is introduced to the Keeper of Oriental Antiquities and his assistant, Edward, who represents everything Arthur feels he lacks—refinement, education, and a well-to-do background. Edward’s poised demeanor and physical fitness, along with his well-tailored clothes, stand in stark contrast to Arthur’s self-perceived shortcomings. Arthur's lack of formal…
    • O: ARTHUR: By the River Thames, 1857 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Arthur stands before the British Museum in 1857, feeling small beneath the grandeur of its towering columns and impressive architecture. This iconic structure, with its colossal presence, seems almost to mock his modest background and humble beginnings. However, despite the rising tide of self-doubt and anxiety, Arthur is determined to press forward, stepping into the museum with a sense of purpose. As he enters, disguised as a student, his heart races with excitement and nervousness, eager to explore the…
    • O: ARTHUR: By the River Thames, 1856 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Arthur begins his life in the year before his sixteenth birthday, when his family is hit hard by financial struggles. This difficult situation pushes him to work extra hours at a young age to help pay the rent and contribute to the household. Each morning, he rises before dawn, enduring a daily routine that involves using the little resources available to him. He uses cold water mixed with diluted vinegar to wash his face, as the soap he receives from charity is of poor quality. As he walks through the…
    • O: ARTHUR: By the River Thames, 1854 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Arthur had always dreamed of visiting the Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, but financial constraints had kept him away. Finally, in 1854, with a shilling in hand, he joined the masses heading toward the Crystal Palace at Sydenham Hill. The grand exhibition, which had already seen millions of visitors since its opening by Queen Victoria in 1851, promised to showcase the achievements of global industries. Arthur, feeling a wave of excitement mixed with nervousness, mentally…
    • O: ARTHUR: By the River Thames, 1854 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Arthur walks through the heart of London in the oppressive heat of August 1854, the air thick with the putrid scent of decay. Factories churn out smoke, mixing with the stench of overflowing cesspools and horse-drawn carriages leaving trails of waste along the cobbled streets. The once-mighty River Thames, now a lifeless ribbon of filth, sluggishly carries the city’s refuse, serving as both a source of drinking water and a breeding ground for disease. Arthur, conscious of the risks, covers his mouth and…
    • O: ARTHUR: By the River Thames, 1853–4 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Arthur finds himself on an unexpected path when he becomes an apprentice at a prestigious printing and publishing house. Initially, he performs menial chores like cleaning and maintaining the workspace, but soon he is entrusted with working on the rotary steam printing press. Despite the apparent dangers of the machinery, Arthur is captivated by the rhythm and precision of the process. He is drawn to the notion of creating identical copies of works, each one a perfect replica of the original, and finds the…
    • O: ARTHUR: By the River Thames, 1853 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Arthur walks alongside his father through the dense fog that envelops London in 1853, the cold mist casting an eerie silence over the city. The air is thick with pollution, and the streets are filled with a sense of decay as they navigate their way through the city. Arthur’s father, once a source of guidance and warmth, has become distant and harsh, the weight of their financial struggles transforming his personality. At just thirteen years old, Arthur has been forced to grow up quickly, taking on menial…
    • O: ARTHUR: By the River Thames, 1852 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Arthur spent his early childhood in the grimy and impoverished districts of London, known as the Sewers and Slums, where the River Thames, once a symbol of life and commerce, now reflected the decay of the city. The thick fog that often blanketed the streets, combined with the stench from the nearby factories and tanneries, created an atmosphere of despair. As a boy of five, Arthur’s keen observational skills allowed him to notice the habits of those around him, from the poor families struggling to make…
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