In York in 1806 John Segundus attends a meeting of gentlemen interested in magic but is dismayed that they only study and do not perform it as it is long dead. A member with a similar interest, Mr Honeyfoot, directs him towards the reclusive Mr Norrell, John telling him he has heard of a prophesy that magic would return to the land thanks to two practitioners. After Norrell astounds the society by animating the statues in York minster he attains celebrity and travels to London, meeting the mystic street magician Vinculus, who foresees an illustrious future for him. He also succeeds in reviving the dying young wife of war secretary Pole but only after he has evoked a sinister spirit, the Gentleman, who strikes a bargain with him for his powers. Meanwhile in the country Jonathan Strange, who has recently inherited his father's estate, meets Vinculus, who tells him that he - Jonathan - is also a great magician. Written by don @ minifie-1

Whilst Norrell is celebrated for a daring illusion, persuading the French that the channel is full of English ships, John Segundus and Mr Honeyfoot visit Jonathan and his wife Arabella, introducing them to Mr Norrell. Norrell is impressed by Jonathan's intuitive form of magic and takes him on as his apprentice though he is dismissive of the younger man's belief that all magic stems from the Raven King, the last practitioner of magic in England some three centuries ago. Lady Pole meanwhile is subject to disturbing dreams, imagining herself in Fairy-land, and Norrell summons the Gentleman, who explains that this was the bargain for her revival, which cannot be reversed. The Gentleman also encounters Pole's valet Stephen Black, transporting him too to Fairy-land, where he is promised that he shall be a king. When Lady Pole explains her predicament to Arabella Stephen swears her to secrecy lest the lady be thought mad. Jonathan amazes the onlookers, incurring Norrell's envy, when he ... Written by don @ minifie-1

Jonathan arrives in Portugal to be met with a derisory reception from the Duke of Wellington, until he proves himself by fashioning a road out of rocks and reviving three French corpses, who are persuaded to give away the enemy's position, allowing for a British victory. In London a concerned Arabella visits the reclusive, disturbed Lady Pole, attracting the attention of the Gentleman, which she rebuffs. Lady Pole gives her a tapestry showing her bad dreams to show to Jonathan but Norrell, fearing he will be implicated in her distress, has his valet Childermass destroy it. He also advises Sir Walter to prevent Arabella from her visits. Jonathan returns to London, where Lady Pole attempts to avenge herself on Norrell. Written by don @ minifie-1

Norrell survives the attempt to kill him by Lady Pole, who is taken away to be cared for by John and Mr Honeyfoot. Along with Jonathan he is summoned to use magic to cure the madness of king George but refuses. Jonathan, however, calls upon the spells of the Raven King as a cure, almost playing into the hands of the Gentleman, who tries to kill George to put Stephen on the throne. Childermass, unconscious after taking the bullet intended for Norrell, finds himself visiting Fairyland, the Raven King's domain, and so does Jonathan, who marvels at it. Norrell warns him it is the home of evil, dangerous magic, causing a rift between the two men. Jonathan gets a further summons from Wellington to help fight Bonaparte but the Gentleman uses Arabella to exact revenge on him for thwarting the attempt on King George's life. Written by don @ minifie-1

Having used his magic to help Wellington win the battle of Waterloo Jonathan returns home to Arabella and the publication of his book on the history of magic. The latter is strongly opposed both by Norrell and the government, who see the Raven King as an influence on the Luddite movement. Meanwhile Lady Pole predicts something bad will befall Arabella and she is proved to be right as the Gentleman spirits her away to visit the fairy kingdom. On her return she is pronounced dead and, after Norrell refuses to revive her, she is buried. Jonathan is now more determined to publish the book as a tribute to his wife and anxious to summon the Gentleman to bring her back to life. Written by don @ minifie-1

Having fled England to Venice, Strange attempts to drive himself insane as a way of gaining access to the fairy magic that he believes can help him resurrect his wife. In so doing, he unleashes a curse that threatens to destroy him utterly.

Magic has now returned to England - as has Jonathan, who goes straight to Mr Norrell, requesting his help in breaking the Gentleman's curse. He also sends Sir Walter Pole a letter explaining how his wife was enchanted, with Stephen's help, allowing John Segundus to bring her back to normal life though without Arabella. Meanwhile Norrell and Jonathan summon the Raven King though it is a visit to the Lost Hope ballroom in the fairy kingdom and the intervention of an unexpected ally that brings about the demise of the Gentleman, releasing Arabella, but also determining the fates of the two magicians - Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell. Written by don @ minifie-1