Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell

Susanna Clarke's brilliant novel is an utterly compelling, epic tale of nineteenth-century England and the way two very different magicians, who, as teacher and pupil and then as rivals, emerge to change its history. In the year 1806, in the throes of the Napoleonic Wars, most people believe magic to be dead in England--until the reclusive Mr. Norrell of Hurtfew Abbey reveals his powers and becomes a celebrity (and the nation's only magician) overnight. Soon, another… (more)

Susanna Clarke's brilliant novel is an utterly compelling, epic tale of nineteenth-century England and the way two very different magicians, who, as teacher and pupil and then as rivals, emerge to change its history. In the year 1806, in the throes of the Napoleonic Wars, most people believe magic to be dead in England--until the reclusive Mr. Norrell of Hurtfew Abbey reveals his powers and becomes a celebrity (and the nation's only magician) overnight. Soon, another magician emerges; the young, handsome, and daring Jonathan Strange. He becomes Norrell's student, and the two join forces in England's war against Napoleon. But as Strange is increasingly drawn to the wildest, most perilous forms of magic, he risks sacrificing not only his friendship with Norrell, but everything else that he holds dear. An international bestseller published in 31 countries, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell is a tour de force that has captured the imagination of readers worldwide.