Centuries ago, when magic still existed in England, the greatest magician of all was the Raven King Now at the beginning of the nineteenth century, he is barely more than a legend and England no longer believes in practical magic Then the reclusive Mr Norrell appears and causes the statues of York Cathedral to speak and move As news spreads of the return of magic he is persuaded to help the government in the war against Napolean Whilst in London he meets a young magician and takes him as a pupil, but the partnership soon turns to rivalry