In the Fire of the Forge: A Romance of Old Nuremberg is a historical novel set in medieval Germany, telling the story of two sisters, Eva and ElsOrtlieb. During the mid-13th century, after the death of Emperor Friedrich II, Germany faced the period between kings. In these uncertain times Eva and Elslead a life full of deprivation in the midst of the city of Nuremberg. However, within the walls of this imperial city in High Middle Ages there is still enough space for day dreaming and romantic relationships.

Georg Ebers (1837-1898) was a German Egyptologist and novelist. He is best known for his discovery of the Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest medical documents in the world. Ebers early conceived the idea of popularizing Egyptian lore by means of historical romances. His first novel, An Egyptian Princess, obtained a great success. His subsequent works of the same kind were also well received, and did much to make the public familiar with the discoveries of Egyptologists. Ebers also turned his attention to other fields of historical fiction – especially the 16th century.