"The History of Arthur Underwood" reveals the backstory and childhood regarding the Master of one of the main characters in the first Bartimaeus book, THE AMULET of SAMARKAND.
Set in early 20th-century London, in a fantasy world where magicians and demons are at war, Arthur Underwood and his unenthusiastic Master hideaway in the ruins of a half-destroyed house.
13-year-old Arthur Underwood desires to go out and fight in the war but his severely strict Master, Albert Bernard says "it is too dangerous for a young and inexperienced magician like Arthur to fight strong and deceiving demons". But one day, when Albert is distracted Arthur sneakily escapes from his constantly ordering strict Master.
When Arthur is out on the streets by himself, he soon finds he is not alone. He comes across two trustworthy friends Simon Lovelace and Mary Cannondale who protect each other. But over the months Arthur becomes suspicious of Simon after hearing a rumour from a demon that Simon might be making evil plans against others. Arthur conjures up the same demon that told him this and he sends it to spy on Simon.
Will Arthur and Simon continue to be good friends together or will they become each other's enemies and try to destroy each other. Read "The History of Arthur Underwood" to find out.