At the dawn of the nineteenth century, two very different magicians emergeto change England's history. In the year 1806, with the Napoleonic Warsraging on land and sea, most people believe magic to be long dead inEngland—until the reclusive Mr Norrell reveals his powers, andbecomes a celebrity overnight. Soon, another practicing magician comes forth: the young, handsome, anddaring Jonathan Strange. He becomes Norrell's student, and they joinforces in the war against France. But Strange is increasingly drawn to thewildest, most perilous forms of magic, straining his partnership withNorrell, and putting at risk everything else he holds dear.