The book is set in a slightly altered historical England—during the reign of King James III—in the early 19th century, and follows the adventures of Simon, an orphan whose plans to study painting in London are derailed by high adventure.
The book is set in a modified version of historical England under King James III's reign around the turn of the 19th century and tells the story of Simon, an orphan whose plans to study painting in London are interrupted by exciting experiences.