About the Book

Set in nineteenth-century Oxford, and shot through with a powerful sense of magic, Elizabeth Garner's new novel is for both historical fiction lovers and fans of Philip Pullman and Susanna Clarke.

In nineteenth-century Oxford, an extraordinary child is born - Edgar Jones, a porter's son with a magical talent. Though his father cannot see beyond his academic slowness, his abilities as a metalworker and designer are quickly noticed, and become a source of tension within the family. When Edgar comes to the attention of a maverick professor at work on a museum of the natural sciences, Edgar is at once plucked from obscurity and plunged into the heart of a debate which threatens to tear apart the university. Edgar's position is a dangerous one - will he be able to control the rebellious spirit that fires his inventiveness, but threatens to ruin him, and to break up his family once and for all?

Click here to read about the historical background - WARNING - CONTAINS SPOILERS

Click here to read the author's note on the city of Oxford