Part of the Kingsbridge Series: It is the fifth and final book in Ken Follett's historical Kingsbridge series, following "The Pillars of the Earth," "World Without End," "A Column of Fire," and "The Evening and the Morning".
Setting: The novel is set in late 18th and early 19th century Kingsbridge, England, during the Industrial Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, including the Battle of Waterloo.
Themes: It explores themes of social change, class struggles, and the fight for freedom and enlightenment amidst industrialization and international conflict.