Title: The Bookman’s Tale
Author: Charlie Lovett
First published January 1, 2013
352 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780670026470 (ISBN10: 0670026476)
Rating: 3.76
Overview
What if a single book could change the course of history? Peter Byerly, an antiquarian bookseller, is on a quest to find the most valuable relic in the history of English literature.
His journey takes him from his quaint English village to the Victorian era and finally, to the time of Shakespeare himself. But as he delves deeper into the mystery surrounding the book, Peter begins to realize that his own past is intertwined with Shakespeare’s legacy.
With his beloved wife’s spirit guiding him, Peter must uncover the truth about Shakespeare’s authorship and his own identity before it’s too late. The Bookman’s Tale is a gripping tale of love, loss, and the power of literature to change lives.
About the Author
I was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and my father was an English professor. During the summers, we would spend time in the rural North Carolina mountains, which sparked my love for the countryside.
I attended Summit School, Woodberry Forest School in Virginia, and Davidson College in North Carolina. In 1984, I ventured into the antiquarian book business with my first wife, Stephanie, and started collecting books and materials related to Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
After leaving the book business in the early 90s, I continued to collect rare and not-so-rare books and artifacts connected to Lewis Carroll. In 1997, I received my MFA in Writing from Vermont College, where I researched and wrote Love, Ruth in memory of my mother, who passed away when I was two years old.
Maya Angelou praised the book for being “tender, sensitive, and true.”
I traveled to England with my wife, Janice, and daughter, Jordan, in 1997 and lived in Kingham, Oxfordshire, for six months. We fell in love with the culture, made lifelong friends, and even renovated the cottage we rented.
My wife was hired by Summit School in 2001 to oversee the third grade drama program, and she asked me to write a play since there was a lack of good material. I became a children’s playwright for eleven years, and 19 of my plays have been published and produced over 3500 times in all 50 states and more than 20 countries.
While I have always loved writing fiction, my big break came when I combined my passions for rare books and the English countryside to write The Bookman’s Tale. It was a bestseller and translated into several languages.
Next, I wrote First Impressions, a literary adventure featuring Jane Austen, which People Magazine called “a delightful novel that weaves together a modern love story and a literary mystery involving Jane Austen.” In 2015, I curated a major exhibition called Alice Live! at the New York Public Library for Performing Arts at Lincoln Center to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the publication of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. I also wrote the introduction to the new Penguin Books edition of Alice.
My latest novel, The Lost Book of the Grail, will be published on February 28, 2017. It tells the story of bibliophile and Holy Grail enthusiast Arthur Prescott and his search for a centuries-old secret in an English cathedral library.
None of this would have been possible without the support and love of my wife, Janice, and our children, Jimmy and Jordan.
Editoral Review
The Bookman’s Tale by Charlie Lovett is an enticing novel that blends mystery, romance, and history into a captivating tale. Published on January 1, 2013, the book has received critical acclaim for its unique approach to storytelling and its engaging characters.
Charlie Lovett, the author, is a renowned writer, playwright, and antiquarian bookseller. He has written numerous books, including The Lost Book of the Grail and The Further Adventures of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Lovett’s passion for literature and history is evident in The Bookman’s Tale, where he seamlessly weaves together fact and fiction to create a compelling narrative.
The Bookman’s Tale follows the story of Peter Byerly, a young antiquarian bookseller who is grieving the loss of his wife. While browsing a bookstore in Hay-on-Wye, a small town in Wales known for its vast collection of rare books, Peter discovers a watercolor portrait that bears an uncanny resemblance to his late wife.
Intrigued by the painting’s origin, he embarks on a quest to uncover its history, which leads him on a journey through time and across continents.
The novel takes readers on a thrilling ride through different eras, from Shakespearean England to Victorian London and modern-day North Carolina. Along the way, Peter encounters a cast of intriguing characters, including an eccentric book collector, a suspicious academic, and a charming rare book librarian.
These characters add depth and complexity to the plot, making for a layered and immersive reading experience.
One of the book’s strengths is its impeccable attention to historical detail. Lovett’s extensive research is evident in his vivid descriptions of the book trade in different periods and his accurate portrayal of famous literary figures such as William Shakespeare and John Milton.
The book’s themes, including grief, love, and the power of literature, are also beautifully explored.
The Bookman’s Tale’s only flaw is its pacing, which can be slow at times. However, this is a minor criticism in light of the book’s overall quality.
The writing is elegant and evocative, and the plot is well-structured, with several twists and turns that keep readers engaged until the very end.
Overall, The Bookman’s Tale is a delightful read that will appeal to lovers of literature, history, and mystery. The book’s unique blend of genres and its engaging characters make it a standout in its genre.
It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted story that transports them to another era. On a scale of one to five, I would give The Bookman’s Tale a rating of 4.5, based on its exceptional storytelling, historical accuracy, and memorable characters.
