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The co-op bookstore for avid readers
The Lost Book of the Grail
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Bookman's Tale comes a new novel about an obsessive bibliophile's quest through time to discover a missing manuscript, the unknown history of an English Cathedral, and the secret of the Holy Grail
Arthur Prescott is happiest when surrounded by the ancient books and manuscripts of the Barchester Cathedral library. Increasingly, he feels like a fish out of water among the concrete buildings of the University of Barchester, where he works as an English professor. His one respite is his time spent nestled in the library, nurturing his secret obsession with the Holy Grail and researching his perennially unfinished guidebook to the medieval cathedral. But when a beautiful young American named Bethany Davis arrives in Barchester charged with the task of digitizing the library's manuscripts, Arthur's tranquility is broken. Appalled by the threat modern technology poses to the library he loves, he sets out to thwart Bethany, only to find in her a kindred spirit with a similar love for knowledge and books--and a fellow Grail fanatic. Bethany soon joins Arthur in a quest to find the lost Book of Ewolda, the ancient manuscript telling the story of the cathedral's founder. And when the future of the cathedral itself is threatened, Arthur and Bethany's search takes on grave importance, leading the pair to discover secrets about the cathedral, about the Grail, and about themselves. "Lovett's unique work combines literary and historical research with classic elements of cozy mysteries, classic love stories, and exciting adventure tales to create a true genre-blending masterpiece. At once funny, heartwarming, and suspenseful, The Lost Book of the Grail has something for every kind of reader, and every kind of book-lover, alike." --Bustle
Arthur Prescott is happiest when surrounded by the ancient books and manuscripts of the Barchester Cathedral library. Increasingly, he feels like a fish out of water among the concrete buildings of the University of Barchester, where he works as an English professor. His one respite is his time spent nestled in the library, nurturing his secret obsession with the Holy Grail and researching his perennially unfinished guidebook to the medieval cathedral. But when a beautiful young American named Bethany Davis arrives in Barchester charged with the task of digitizing the library's manuscripts, Arthur's tranquility is broken. Appalled by the threat modern technology poses to the library he loves, he sets out to thwart Bethany, only to find in her a kindred spirit with a similar love for knowledge and books--and a fellow Grail fanatic. Bethany soon joins Arthur in a quest to find the lost Book of Ewolda, the ancient manuscript telling the story of the cathedral's founder. And when the future of the cathedral itself is threatened, Arthur and Bethany's search takes on grave importance, leading the pair to discover secrets about the cathedral, about the Grail, and about themselves. "Lovett's unique work combines literary and historical research with classic elements of cozy mysteries, classic love stories, and exciting adventure tales to create a true genre-blending masterpiece. At once funny, heartwarming, and suspenseful, The Lost Book of the Grail has something for every kind of reader, and every kind of book-lover, alike." --Bustle
Book Details
- Publisher: Wheeler Publishing Large Print
- Publish Date: Mar 8th, 2017
- Pages: 537
- Language: English
- Edition: undefined - undefined
- Dimensions: 8.70in - 5.70in - 1.20in - 1.45lb
- EAN: 9781410497604
- Categories: • Historical - General
About the Author
Charlie Lovett is a former antiquarian bookseller, an avid book collector, and a member of The Grolier Club, the oldest and largest club for bibliophiles in North America. He is the author of The Bookman's Tale, First Impressions, and The Further Adventures of Ebenezer Scrooge. In 2015, Lovett curated Alice Live!, a major exhibition of Lewis Carroll and Alice memorabilia at the New York Public Library for Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, as well as wrote a new introduction for Penguin Classics' 150th anniversary edition of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. He and his wife split their time between Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Kingham, Oxfordshire, in England. From the Hardcover edition.
Praise for this book
"The one book every bibliophile needs to read. . . . mysterious, hilarious, and heartwarming . . . A fun, literary adventure in the spirit of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade or The Da Vinci Code, The Lost Book of the Grail is a wildly entertaining story bibliophiles everywhere will love."
--Bustle "Book lovers will relish author Lovett's attention to loving detail. . . . The Lost Book of the Grail is . . . ever so readable."
--St. Louis Post Dispatch "There's a Dan Brown/The Da Vinci Code vibe to this history mystery."
--Fort Worth Star-Telegram "[The Lost Book of the Grail] offers mystery, a tad of fantasy, a smattering of religious history and romance. . . . Lovett tells a good story, his dialogue is witty and his characters are engaging. . . . So make yourself a cup of proper English tea, open The Lost Book of the Grail and escape your busy life for an afternoon."
--The News & Observer (Raleigh & Charlotte) "Delightful . . . English history comes alive. . . . Lovett does a wonderful job of imparting a lot of information about history, religion, books and life in a story that's both highly entertaining and thought-provoking."
--The News & Record (Greensboro) "[Lovett's] best work yet . . . This bibliomystery immediately enchants those with a weakness for old books and church bells. . . . The Lost Book of the Grail is truly a page-turner for bibliophiles."
--Fine Books & Collections Magazine "A lovely story, almost fairytale-like in its presentation. . . . If author Lovett's other novels are as entertaining as this one, they are to be recommended, sight unseen. As it stands, The Lost Book of the Grail may send readers on their own searches for more Charlie Lovett novels."
--New York Journal of Books "The reader is entertained along several parallel lines. One learns a good deal of actual English history, especially religious history, and a good deal of mythology and Arthurian legend. One watches a mystery being solved, always fun, and enjoys the pleasing love story of two nice young people who should be together and, finally, are."
--Don Noble, The Tuscaloosa News "Diffident Arthur Prescott [is an] endearing hero. . . . [A] thoroughly enjoyable novel . . . The light tone . . . blends well with the clever academic sleuthing."
--Publishers Weekly (starred review) "In his latest literary mystery, Lovett supplements his trademark meld of books, romance, and adventure with an element of (fairly English) humor and some nods in the direction of P.G. Wodehouse. . . . There's lots of research too . . . but it's underpinned by a pleasing treasure hunt mixed with the romantic involvement of two genially mismatched figures. A solidly built, innocently bookish diversion with a distinct Masterpiece Theater flavor."
--Kirkus "Former antiquarian bookseller Lovett here does what he did so well in his debut . . . he uses a contemporary setting to vivify and contextualize ancient writings."
--Library Journal
"Charlie Lovett's diverting The Lost Book of the Grail is a mystery, a history, a pleasure--and a treasure. Find yourself within its pages, and you find yourself remembering the virtues of books and book-making."
--Gregory Maguire, New York Times bestselling author of Wicked and After Alice "Charlie Lovett knows his English history and nowhere it is more evident than in his latest charming, compelling novel. A literary mystery with fantastic historical detail and a modern love story--what more can you ask for in one book?"
--Melanie Benjamin, New York Times bestselling author of The Swans of Fifth Avenue "The Lost Book of the Grail is for every book addict. Full of suspense, delightful twists and turns, this is a tale about friendship, love, and the purpose of life."
--Nina George, New York Times bestselling author of The Little Paris Bookshop "A vivid, engaging tale that takes the reader along on a delightful search through the ancient libraries of a crumbling cathedral in search of a precious book hidden away for hundreds of years. Settle back and enjoy: this is both a love story and a detective story filled with wonderful historic detail."
--Kate Alcott, New York Times bestselling author of The Dressmaker "The Lost Book of the Grail is a book lover's book. Ambitious in scope, the cheerful bounce of Lovett's prose skillfully guides the reader through history's twists."
--Erika Swyler, author of The Book of Speculation
--Bustle "Book lovers will relish author Lovett's attention to loving detail. . . . The Lost Book of the Grail is . . . ever so readable."
--St. Louis Post Dispatch "There's a Dan Brown/The Da Vinci Code vibe to this history mystery."
--Fort Worth Star-Telegram "[The Lost Book of the Grail] offers mystery, a tad of fantasy, a smattering of religious history and romance. . . . Lovett tells a good story, his dialogue is witty and his characters are engaging. . . . So make yourself a cup of proper English tea, open The Lost Book of the Grail and escape your busy life for an afternoon."
--The News & Observer (Raleigh & Charlotte) "Delightful . . . English history comes alive. . . . Lovett does a wonderful job of imparting a lot of information about history, religion, books and life in a story that's both highly entertaining and thought-provoking."
--The News & Record (Greensboro) "[Lovett's] best work yet . . . This bibliomystery immediately enchants those with a weakness for old books and church bells. . . . The Lost Book of the Grail is truly a page-turner for bibliophiles."
--Fine Books & Collections Magazine "A lovely story, almost fairytale-like in its presentation. . . . If author Lovett's other novels are as entertaining as this one, they are to be recommended, sight unseen. As it stands, The Lost Book of the Grail may send readers on their own searches for more Charlie Lovett novels."
--New York Journal of Books "The reader is entertained along several parallel lines. One learns a good deal of actual English history, especially religious history, and a good deal of mythology and Arthurian legend. One watches a mystery being solved, always fun, and enjoys the pleasing love story of two nice young people who should be together and, finally, are."
--Don Noble, The Tuscaloosa News "Diffident Arthur Prescott [is an] endearing hero. . . . [A] thoroughly enjoyable novel . . . The light tone . . . blends well with the clever academic sleuthing."
--Publishers Weekly (starred review) "In his latest literary mystery, Lovett supplements his trademark meld of books, romance, and adventure with an element of (fairly English) humor and some nods in the direction of P.G. Wodehouse. . . . There's lots of research too . . . but it's underpinned by a pleasing treasure hunt mixed with the romantic involvement of two genially mismatched figures. A solidly built, innocently bookish diversion with a distinct Masterpiece Theater flavor."
--Kirkus "Former antiquarian bookseller Lovett here does what he did so well in his debut . . . he uses a contemporary setting to vivify and contextualize ancient writings."
--Library Journal
"Charlie Lovett's diverting The Lost Book of the Grail is a mystery, a history, a pleasure--and a treasure. Find yourself within its pages, and you find yourself remembering the virtues of books and book-making."
--Gregory Maguire, New York Times bestselling author of Wicked and After Alice "Charlie Lovett knows his English history and nowhere it is more evident than in his latest charming, compelling novel. A literary mystery with fantastic historical detail and a modern love story--what more can you ask for in one book?"
--Melanie Benjamin, New York Times bestselling author of The Swans of Fifth Avenue "The Lost Book of the Grail is for every book addict. Full of suspense, delightful twists and turns, this is a tale about friendship, love, and the purpose of life."
--Nina George, New York Times bestselling author of The Little Paris Bookshop "A vivid, engaging tale that takes the reader along on a delightful search through the ancient libraries of a crumbling cathedral in search of a precious book hidden away for hundreds of years. Settle back and enjoy: this is both a love story and a detective story filled with wonderful historic detail."
--Kate Alcott, New York Times bestselling author of The Dressmaker "The Lost Book of the Grail is a book lover's book. Ambitious in scope, the cheerful bounce of Lovett's prose skillfully guides the reader through history's twists."
--Erika Swyler, author of The Book of Speculation
"A fast-paced adventure into the world of ancient manuscripts. I enjoyed it immensely."
--John Grisham "The one book every bibliophile needs to read. . . . mysterious, hilarious, and heartwarming . . . A fun, literary adventure in the spirit of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade or The Da Vinci Code, The Lost Book of the Grail is a wildly entertaining story bibliophiles everywhere will love."
--Bustle "Book lovers will relish author Lovett's attention to loving detail. . . . The Lost Book of the Grail is . . . ever so readable."
--St. Louis Post Dispatch "There's a Dan Brown/The Da Vinci Code vibe to this history mystery."
--Fort Worth Star-Telegram "[The Lost Book of the Grail] offers mystery, a tad of fantasy, a smattering of religious history and romance. . . . Lovett tells a good story, his dialogue is witty and his characters are engaging. . . . So make yourself a cup of proper English tea, open The Lost Book of the Grail and escape your busy life for an afternoon."
--The News & Observer (Raleigh & Charlotte) "Delightful . . . English history comes alive. . . . Lovett does a wonderful job of imparting a lot of information about history, religion, books and life in a story that's both highly entertaining and thought-provoking."
--The News & Record (Greensboro) "[Lovett's] best work yet . . . This bibliomystery immediately enchants those with a weakness for old books and church bells. . . . The Lost Book of the Grail is truly a page-turner for bibliophiles."
--Fine Books & Collections Magazine "A lovely story, almost fairytale-like in its presentation. . . . If author Lovett's other novels are as entertaining as this one, they are to be recommended, sight unseen. As it stands, The Lost Book of the Grail may send readers on their own searches for more Charlie Lovett novels."
--New York Journal of Books "The reader is entertained along several parallel lines. One learns a good deal of actual English history, especially religious history, and a good deal of mythology and Arthurian legend. One watches a mystery being solved, always fun, and enjoys the pleasing love story of two nice young people who should be together and, finally, are."
--Don Noble, The Tuscaloosa News "Diffident Arthur Prescott [is an] endearing hero. . . . [A] thoroughly enjoyable novel . . . The light tone . . . blends well with the clever academic sleuthing."
--Publishers Weekly (starred review) "In his latest literary mystery, Lovett supplements his trademark meld of books, romance, and adventure with an element of (fairly English) humor and some nods in the direction of P.G. Wodehouse. . . . There's lots of research too . . . but it's underpinned by a pleasing treasure hunt mixed with the romantic involvement of two genially mismatched figures. A solidly built, innocently bookish diversion with a distinct Masterpiece Theater flavor."
--Kirkus "Former antiquarian bookseller Lovett here does what he did so well in his debut . . . he uses a contemporary setting to vivify and contextualize ancient writings."
--Library Journal
"Charlie Lovett's diverting The Lost Book of the Grail is a mystery, a history, a pleasure--and a treasure. Find yourself within its pages, and you find yourself remembering the virtues of books and book-making."
--Gregory Maguire, New York Times bestselling author of Wicked and After Alice "Charlie Lovett knows his English history and nowhere it is more evident than in his latest charming, compelling novel. A literary mystery with fantastic historical detail and a modern love story--what more can you ask for in one book?"
--Melanie Benjamin, New York Times bestselling author of The Swans of Fifth Avenue "The Lost Book of the Grail is for every book addict. Full of suspense, delightful twists and turns, this is a tale about friendship, love, and the purpose of life."
--Nina George, New York Times bestselling author of The Little Paris Bookshop "A vivid, engaging tale that takes the reader along on a delightful search through the ancient libraries of a crumbling cathedral in search of a precious book hidden away for hundreds of years. Settle back and enjoy: this is both a love story and a detective story filled with wonderful historic detail."
--Kate Alcott, New York Times bestselling author of The Dressmaker "The Lost Book of the Grail is a book lover's book. Ambitious in scope, the cheerful bounce of Lovett's prose skillfully guides the reader through history's twists."
--Erika Swyler, author of The Book of Speculation
--John Grisham "The one book every bibliophile needs to read. . . . mysterious, hilarious, and heartwarming . . . A fun, literary adventure in the spirit of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade or The Da Vinci Code, The Lost Book of the Grail is a wildly entertaining story bibliophiles everywhere will love."
--Bustle "Book lovers will relish author Lovett's attention to loving detail. . . . The Lost Book of the Grail is . . . ever so readable."
--St. Louis Post Dispatch "There's a Dan Brown/The Da Vinci Code vibe to this history mystery."
--Fort Worth Star-Telegram "[The Lost Book of the Grail] offers mystery, a tad of fantasy, a smattering of religious history and romance. . . . Lovett tells a good story, his dialogue is witty and his characters are engaging. . . . So make yourself a cup of proper English tea, open The Lost Book of the Grail and escape your busy life for an afternoon."
--The News & Observer (Raleigh & Charlotte) "Delightful . . . English history comes alive. . . . Lovett does a wonderful job of imparting a lot of information about history, religion, books and life in a story that's both highly entertaining and thought-provoking."
--The News & Record (Greensboro) "[Lovett's] best work yet . . . This bibliomystery immediately enchants those with a weakness for old books and church bells. . . . The Lost Book of the Grail is truly a page-turner for bibliophiles."
--Fine Books & Collections Magazine "A lovely story, almost fairytale-like in its presentation. . . . If author Lovett's other novels are as entertaining as this one, they are to be recommended, sight unseen. As it stands, The Lost Book of the Grail may send readers on their own searches for more Charlie Lovett novels."
--New York Journal of Books "The reader is entertained along several parallel lines. One learns a good deal of actual English history, especially religious history, and a good deal of mythology and Arthurian legend. One watches a mystery being solved, always fun, and enjoys the pleasing love story of two nice young people who should be together and, finally, are."
--Don Noble, The Tuscaloosa News "Diffident Arthur Prescott [is an] endearing hero. . . . [A] thoroughly enjoyable novel . . . The light tone . . . blends well with the clever academic sleuthing."
--Publishers Weekly (starred review) "In his latest literary mystery, Lovett supplements his trademark meld of books, romance, and adventure with an element of (fairly English) humor and some nods in the direction of P.G. Wodehouse. . . . There's lots of research too . . . but it's underpinned by a pleasing treasure hunt mixed with the romantic involvement of two genially mismatched figures. A solidly built, innocently bookish diversion with a distinct Masterpiece Theater flavor."
--Kirkus "Former antiquarian bookseller Lovett here does what he did so well in his debut . . . he uses a contemporary setting to vivify and contextualize ancient writings."
--Library Journal
"Charlie Lovett's diverting The Lost Book of the Grail is a mystery, a history, a pleasure--and a treasure. Find yourself within its pages, and you find yourself remembering the virtues of books and book-making."
--Gregory Maguire, New York Times bestselling author of Wicked and After Alice "Charlie Lovett knows his English history and nowhere it is more evident than in his latest charming, compelling novel. A literary mystery with fantastic historical detail and a modern love story--what more can you ask for in one book?"
--Melanie Benjamin, New York Times bestselling author of The Swans of Fifth Avenue "The Lost Book of the Grail is for every book addict. Full of suspense, delightful twists and turns, this is a tale about friendship, love, and the purpose of life."
--Nina George, New York Times bestselling author of The Little Paris Bookshop "A vivid, engaging tale that takes the reader along on a delightful search through the ancient libraries of a crumbling cathedral in search of a precious book hidden away for hundreds of years. Settle back and enjoy: this is both a love story and a detective story filled with wonderful historic detail."
--Kate Alcott, New York Times bestselling author of The Dressmaker "The Lost Book of the Grail is a book lover's book. Ambitious in scope, the cheerful bounce of Lovett's prose skillfully guides the reader through history's twists."
--Erika Swyler, author of The Book of Speculation