THE SWORD AND THE MIRACLE

Bragg, Melvyn

ISBN 10: 0375500030 / ISBN 13: 9780375500039

Published by Random House,, New York, 1996

About this Item

Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.

Seller Inventory # 3554

Bibliographic Details

• Title: THE SWORD AND THE MIRACLE
• Publisher: Random House,, New York
• Publication Date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0375500030
• ISBN 13: 9780375500039
• Binding: A Hardbound Book
• Edition: First Edition First Printing.
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fine in Mylar Cover
• Seller catalogs:
  • HISTORICAL FICTION

About this title

Synopsis

Melvyn Bragg's acclaimed epic novel is set at  the tumultuous dawn of Christianity in Britain and Ireland.  It is a stunning story of adventure and spirituality, war and romance, but it is deeply rooted in Bragg's historical studies of the Dark Ages, and it throws into question our modern-day conceptions of faith, hope, and true love.

Two people destined to be lovers sacrifice themselves for what they believe to be a greater destiny.  For the warrior Padric, a charismatic British prince, it is the salvation of his people and homeland from warring Northumbrian overlords; for Bega, a bewitching Irish princess, it is carrying out her self-imposed commitment to spread the word of God.  She, bearing a fragment of the true cross, is gifted with miraculous powers; he is a swordsman without peer.  Their disparate missions send them apart as they travel throughout the frigid wilderness of a primitive England beset by terror and villainy.  Faith is pitched against doubt, spiritual fulfillment against physical desire, romantic ideals against political expediency and pragmatism against theory.

The Sword and the Miracle rose quickly to the top of the British bestseller lists, heralded by critics as an absorbing, wonderfully evocative work, several cuts above contemporary attempts at historical fiction.  The reader will find an exciting narrative informed by insight, knowledge and understanding.

About the Author

Melvyn Bragg is renowned for his filmed features and interviews with writers, artists and actors on his long-running British television program The South Bank Show.  His interest in the Dark Ages began during his studies at Oxford University and his idea for The Sword and the Miracle emanated from his discovery of a small church dedicated to St. Bega, near his hometown in England's Lake District.  One of the most prominent figures in British media and arts, he is the chairman of the hit BBC radio series Start of the Week and controller of arts at London Weekend Television.  He lives in Hampstead Hill Gardens, London.