The Calligrapher
Encyclopedia
The Calligrapher is the debut novel
of Edward Docx, published in 2003. Highly praised, it has been translated into eight languages. It was selected by Matt Thorn
as his Summer fiction choice in The Independent
and by both San Francisco Chronicle
and San Jose Mercury as a 'Best Book of the Year'. It was also a finalist in the inaugural William Saroyan International Prize for Writing
.
and serial seducer living off Warwick Avenue
, London; it tells how his seemingly perfect life unravels when his most recent infidelity is discovered and his girlfriend Lucy leaves him. Jasper though is soon captivated by a new neighbour, Madeleine whilst he is commissioned to transcribe the Songs and Sonnets of John Donne
for a wealthy American businessman. The book describes his growing love and commitment to Madeleine, illuminated by observations from the sonnets he is transcribing. But will his relationship with Madeleine last?
Debut novel
A debut novel is the first novel an author publishes. Debut novels are the author's first opportunity to make an impact on the publishing industry, and thus the success or failure of a debut novel can affect the ability of the author to publish in the future...
of Edward Docx, published in 2003. Highly praised, it has been translated into eight languages. It was selected by Matt Thorn
Matt Thorn
Matt Thorn is a cultural anthropologist and an Associate Professor in the Department of Manga Production at Kyoto Seika University's Faculty of Manga in Japan. He is most well known in North America for his work dealing with shōjo manga. He has appeared at multiple anime conventions, including...
as his Summer fiction choice in The Independent
The Independent
The Independent is a British national morning newspaper published in London by Independent Print Limited, owned by Alexander Lebedev since 2010. It is nicknamed the Indy, while the Sunday edition, The Independent on Sunday, is the Sindy. Launched in 1986, it is one of the youngest UK national daily...
and by both San Francisco Chronicle
San Francisco Chronicle
thumb|right|upright|The Chronicle Building following the [[1906 San Francisco earthquake|1906 earthquake]] and fireThe San Francisco Chronicle is a newspaper serving primarily the San Francisco Bay Area of the U.S. state of California, but distributed throughout Northern and Central California,...
and San Jose Mercury as a 'Best Book of the Year'. It was also a finalist in the inaugural William Saroyan International Prize for Writing
William Saroyan International Prize for Writing
The William Saroyan International Prize for Writing was first awarded in 2003 for 'newly published works of fiction including novels, short stories, dramas or memoirs'...
.
Plot introduction
Narrated by Jasper Jackson, an accomplished calligrapherWestern calligraphy
Western Calligraphy is the art of writing. A contemporary definition of calligraphic practice is "the art of giving form to signs in an expressive, harmonious and skillful manner." The story of writing is one of aesthetic development framed within the technical skills, transmission speed and...
and serial seducer living off Warwick Avenue
Warwick Avenue
Warwick Avenue may refer to:*Warwick Avenue, London, residential avenue in London* Warwick Avenue tube station, a London Underground station on the Bakerloo line located on the avenue...
, London; it tells how his seemingly perfect life unravels when his most recent infidelity is discovered and his girlfriend Lucy leaves him. Jasper though is soon captivated by a new neighbour, Madeleine whilst he is commissioned to transcribe the Songs and Sonnets of John Donne
John Donne
John Donne 31 March 1631), English poet, satirist, lawyer, and priest, is now considered the preeminent representative of the metaphysical poets. His works are notable for their strong and sensual style and include sonnets, love poetry, religious poems, Latin translations, epigrams, elegies, songs,...
for a wealthy American businessman. The book describes his growing love and commitment to Madeleine, illuminated by observations from the sonnets he is transcribing. But will his relationship with Madeleine last?