Barnaby Rudge Charles Dickens - The first historical novel by Charles Dickens, set during the anti-Catholic riots of 1780, is an unrivalled depiction of a raging mob's horror as seen through the eyes of those caught up in turmoil. Emma, a Catholic, and Edward, a Protestant, whose forbidden love runs through the heart of the story; and Barnaby, a simple-minded riot leader whose fate is linked to a mysterious murder and whose beloved pet raven, Grip, embodies the mystical force of innocence. The tale spans London's volatile streets and nightmarish underbelly; Dickens depicts in characteristically rich, pulsating detail.