Remember, Remember the Fifth of November

The Gunpowder Plot of 1605 represents what is perhaps the greatest failed terrorist plot in history, an attempt by a group of disaffected Catholics to blow up James I and the assembled political elites of the English nation as they gathered for the opening of Parliament. As James Sharpe demonstrates in this book, the subsequent commemoration of the event came to assume added meaning. Over the course of the 17th century the anniversary of the event became an opportunity to celebrate a type of Protestant English identity. As hostility towards Catholicism ebbed in the 18th century, however, the anti-Catholic nature of the celebrations changed into more of a focus on the figure of Guy Fawkes, as the celebrations were gradually disconnected show more from their meaning. Sharpe's analysis of all of this is very interesting, as it not only describes the changing meaning of Guy Fawkes Day but also sheds light as to how the understanding of events change as attitudes evolve over time. show less

This week seemed like an appropriate time to grab this off the TBR shelf and give it a look-see. A fairly conventional cultural history of Guy Fawkes day, with some interesting anecdotes and origin stories, and a thorough-going account of how the way the day is celebrated has varied from place to place and as the centuries have passed. Unfortunately the book is not footnoted to the extent that it could (and probably should) be, which is my main quibble with it.

Interesting and readable history of the meanings and methods of celebrating Guy Fawkes Day. As an American, though, I wished I had a better grounding in British history prior to reading it.

Remember Remember by James Sharpe is a engaging read about the celebrations of the November 5th Plot through the ages. The events of 1605 are studied as they happened, and as they were celebrated in the decades and centuries following. English anti-Catholicism, or anti-popery are judged in terms of who was being burnt in effigy, so the role of holiday symbolism in controlling the masses is central. From a patriotic holiday in its early days, degenerating into an excuse for a drunken brawl as the centuries passed Guy’s day is show to be an evolving holiday. There are some fun chapters on fireworks manufacture, but they seem to be far afield from the topic at hand, but do make for amusing reading. Torture, in particular Drawn and show more Quartered scenes are done in detail the victorians would have put on a top shelf, in the back…. REMEMBER REMEMBER is a good read, stretched to mention 9/11 and the modern day -- but a good read. show less