Clarke, Susanna - Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

Centuries ago, when magic still existed in England, the greatest magician of all was the Raven King, a human child brought up by fairies.  Now at the beginning of the nineteenth century, he is barely more than a legend, and England, with its mad King and its dashing poets, no longer believes in practical magic.
Then the reclusive Mr Norrell of Hurtfew Abbey appears and news spreads of the return of magic to England.  Persuaded that he must help the government in the war against Napoleon, Mr Norrell goes to London where he meets a brilliant young magician, Jonathan Strange.  Together they dazzle the country with their feats.
But the partnership soon turns to rivalry.  Mr Norrell has never conquered his lifelong habits of secrecy, while Strange will always be attracted to the wildest, most perilous magic.  He becomes fascinated by the shadowy figure of the Raven King, and his heedless pursuit of long-forgotten magic threatens not only his partnership with Norrell, but everything that he holds dear.

Condition:  Fair