Blackmoor Vituperative

Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell , by Susanna Clarke, is the most interesting book I have read recently. The premise is that English magic has slowly faded from the world, until by the early 19th century it is little more than the subject of dry scholarly papers. One of the main conflicts of the book is the difference in perspective between the two title characters, who are two of the last practical magicians in the world.

This isn’t a book of high fantasy or Tolkienesque adventure. Nor is it a Harry Potter for grown-ups, although I have heard it described as such. Of any books I can recall, it most reminds me of the excellent Lempriere’s Dictionary, by Lawrence Norfolk. Both books are a joy to read: clever, inventive, subtle, literate, and very long. Give them both a try.