Author(s): Susanna Clarke (illus Portia Rosenberg)

World fiction

As the 19th century opens, few believe in magic. But Mr Norrell makes his abilities known, is called to help the Government against Napoleon and, with a brilliant young magician called Jonathan Strange, dazzles England. Then the talented twosome become rivals... "There is nothing in Tolkien, Mervyn Peake, or any of their peers that surpasses the power with which Clarke evokes this fabulous figure's tangled 'history'." "An instant classic, one of the finest fantasies ever written." From the July 1 issue of Kirkus...a STARRED review