Name: The Potter's Hand By A. N. Wilson
SKU: 9781848879515
Price: 26.99 AUD
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The Potter's Hand Summary

The Potter's Hand by A. N. Wilson

LONGLISTED FOR THE WALTER SCOTT PRIZE FOR HISTORICAL FICTION.

In 1774, Josiah Wedgwood, master craftsman possessed with a burning scientific vision, embarks upon the thousand piece Frog Service for Catherine the Great. Josiah's nephew Tom journeys to America to buy clay from the Cherokee for this exquisite china. Tom is caught up in the American rebellion, and falls for a Cherokee woman who will come to play a crucial role in Josiah's late, great creation: the Portland Vase. As the family fortune is made, and Josiah's entrepreneurial brilliance creates an empire that will endure for generations, it is his daughter Sukey, future mother of Charles Darwin, who bears clear-eyed witness.

A novel of epic scope, rich in warmth, intellect and humanity, The Potter's Hand explores the lives and loves of one of Britain's greatest families, whose travails are both ordinary - births, deaths, marriages, opium addiction, depression - and utterly extraordinary.

The Potter's Hand Reviews

Wilson offers a sweeping portrait of the European Enlightenment and the foundation of an intellectual dynasty destined to include Charles Darwin and Ralph Vaughn Williams in its ranks... All of this intellectualism is held together by a strong narrative... Behind the calm equipoise of Wedgwood's neoclassical designs, a global storm of ideas and inventions raged. It has a centre in Stoke-on-Trent and an icon in Wedgwood. Wilson brings it all to life. -- Tristram Hunt * Financial Times *
The Potter's Hand is a rich and rather wonderful novel... It is one of these books which gives the impression of having matured in the imagination for years. One can't, in a short review, do justice to its abundance. It is a cornucopia of a novel... wide in scope, rich in detail, and deep in understanding. * Scotsman *
Full of fascinating historical detail... [A. N. Wilson's] most obvious fictional flourish, which sees a Cherokee transported to the potteries, is as incredible as it is romantic... a rather magnificent achievement. * Daily Mail *
This is a splendid story, vividly told. * Economist *
A. N. Wilson bases his first novel for five years, The Potter's Hand, on the Wedgwood Dynasty, and delivers their extraordinary adventures and achievements in business with customary aplomb. * Bookseller's Choice *
Excellent historic fiction based around the family of Josiah Wedgwood in the period between the US revolution and the French revolution. An interesting man in a fascinating period makes for a compelling read. * Bookbag *

About A. N. Wilson

A. N. Wilson grew up in Staffordshire, where his father was Managing Director of Josiah Wedgwood & Sons. He was educated at Rugby and New College, Oxford. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, he holds a prominent position in the world of literature and journalism. He is a prolific and award-winning biographer and celebrated novelist. His most recent novel, Winnie and Wolf, was longlisted for the 2007 Man Booker Prize. He lives in North London.

Additional information

Sku

GOR004455488

ISBN 13

9781848879515

ISBN 10

1848879512

Title

The Potter's Hand by A. N. Wilson

Author

A. N. Wilson

Condition

Used - Very Good

Binding type

Hardback

Publisher

Atlantic Books

Year published

2012-09-01

Number of pages

512

Prizes

N/A

Cover note

Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.

Note

This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

The Potter's Hand A. N. Wilson

The Potter's Hand by A. N. Wilson

Summary

The Potter's Hand Summary

The Potter's Hand by A. N. Wilson

The Potter's Hand Reviews

About A. N. Wilson

Additional information

Customer Reviews - The Potter's Hand