Edinburgh in the late 17th century is centre of religious authoritarianism, intolerance and fear. The flames of the city's famous Enlightenment are yet to burn. Based on the true story of Thomas Aikenhead, this is the fictional account of a 20 year-old student who was the last person in Britain to be tried and executed for blasphemy. Dilys Rose is one of Scotland's very best literary writers. This is a brilliant historical novel, from an acclaimed and award-winning writer at the height of her powers, with great resonance for today.