Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

The reclusive Mr. Norrell comes to the attention of an ambitious politician named Sir Walter Pole and offers the government his services. But Sir Walter turns him down. He only begins to reconsider after Norrell restores the man's deceased fiancée to life, which the magician accomplishes through a pact with a mysterious "gentleman with thistledown hair."

Norrell impresses Sir Walter with magical illusions that confuse the French navy. Eager to add such abilities to his own, Jonathan Strange takes up an apprenticeship with Norrell--only to find him reluctant to share what he knows. Meanwhile, what Norrell did to restore Lady Pole has unleashed something disturbing in Sir Walter's household.

While Jonathan goes off to war to practice his dark magic, his wife, Arabella, discovers that Lady Pole has become dangerously unbalanced. She believes she knows who and what is to blame--and puts herself in terrible danger as a result.

Jonathan joins Norrell in a mission to help England's mad King George III. But he is frustrated at Norrell's refusal to discuss the magic of the ancient times and the legends of the Raven King. The danger to Arabella mounts.

Jonathan's magic helps the English win the Battle of Waterloo, but Norrell is distressed to learn the young man intends to write a book about it. When Jonathan finds Arabella is gone and presumed dead, he is determined to know the magic Norrell used to bring Lady Pole back to life.

Delving into the realms of madness, Jonathan learns that Arabella is still alive. He also discovers who has taken her captive and how to find him.

If they are to succeed, Jonathan and Norrell know they must not only combine their efforts but draw on other powers as well. However, an ancient prophecy may mean Jonathan will never reunite with Arabella.