Land of Marvels - Hardcover

Unsworth, Barry

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0385520077 ISBN 13: 9780385520072

Publisher: Nan a Talese, 2009

Synopsis

Barry Unsworth, a writer with an “almost magical capacity for literary time travel” (New York Times Book Review) has the extraordinary ability to re-create the past and make it relevant to contemporary readers. InLand of Marvels, a thriller set in 1914, he brings to life the schemes and double-dealings of Western nations grappling for a foothold in Mesopotamia (now Iraq) in the dying days of the Ottoman Empire.

Somerville, a British archaeologist, is excavating a long-buried Assyrian palace. The site lies directly in the path of a new railroad to Baghdad, and he watches nervously as the construction progresses, threatening to destroy his discovery. The expedition party includes Somerville’s beautiful, bored wife, Edith; Patricia, a smart young graduate student; and Jehar, an Arab man-of-all-duties whose subservient manner belies his intelligence and ambitions. Posing as an archaeologist, an American geologist from an oil company arrives one day and insinuates himself into the group. But he’s not the only one working undercover to stake a claim on Iraq’s rich oil fields.

Historical fiction at its finest, Land of Marvels opens a window on the past and reveals its lasting impact.

About this title

Review:

`Up to Unsworth's highest standard ... As well as being a great read, Land of Marvels is an important book.'

Book Description:

Booker-Prize winner Barry Unsworth returns with his finest book to date

About this edition

• Publisher: Nan a Talese
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0385520077
• ISBN 13: 9780385520072
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 287