At the dawn of the nineteenth century; two very different magicians emerge to change England's history. In the year 1806; with the Napoleonic Wars raging on land and sea; most people believe magic to be long dead in England-until the reclusive Mr Norrell reveals his powers; and becomes a celebrity overnight. Soon; another practicing magician comes forth: the young; handsome; and daring Jonathan Strange. He becomes Norrell's student; and they join forces in the war against France. But Strange is increasingly drawn to the wildest; most perilous forms of magic; straining his partnership with Norrell; and putting at risk everything else he holds dear. Time Magazine #1 Book of the Year « Book Sense Book of the Year « People Top Ten Books of the Year « Winner of the Hugo Award « A New York Times Notable Book of the Year « Salon.com Top Ten of 2004 «Winner of the World Fantasy Award « Nancy Pearl's Top 12 Books of 2004 « Washington Post Book World's Best of 2004 « Christian Science Monitor Best Fiction 2004 « San Francisco Chronicle Best Books of 2004 « Winner of the Locus Award for Best First Novel « Chicago TribuneBest of 2004 « Seattle Times 25 Best Books of 2004 « Atlanta Journal-Constitution Top 12 Books of 2004 « Village Voice "Top Shelf" « Raleigh News & Observer Best of 2004 « Rocky Mountain Newscritics' favorites of 2004 « Kansas City Star 100 Newsworthy Books of 2004 « Fort Worth Star-Telegram 10 Best Books of 2004 « Hartford Courant Best Books of 2004