The epic novel "Through Fire" is set in a far distant world. In order to provide background for the events which take place in the novel, a short history and geography of the world are provided here. As the hero encounters many people in different lands, the different lands speaking different languages, a list of characters and of translations of all the foreign words used are also set out. Certain poems play an important part in the narrative. They are collected here, as well as maps of the world and notes on pronunciation. Richard Hernaman Allen, a former Commissioner of HM Customs & Excise, wrote "Through Fire" over a period of thirty years.