The Mirror Makers

(Paperback)

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Description

In the tradition of Restoration and Tulip Fever, Clare Colvin takes a historical theme with a novel about the secret Venetian process of mirror-making and the Court of Louis XIV. Louis XIV, at the height of his powers and grandiose ambitions, dreams of constructing a great Hall of Mirrors in the palace of Versailles. But the only craftsmen who know the secret are in Murano, prisoners of the Venetian Republic. The promise (via Louis XIV's controller of finances, Jean-Louis Colbert) of riches, adventure, a new life, prompts Andrea Allegri and a renegade group of mirror-makers, to risk not only his father's wrath but the severest punishment by the Venetian authorities. And, once in the Sun King's Court, Andrea finds himself caught up, not only with dangerous palace politics, but with one of the King's mistresses. Inventive, romantic and exciting, Clare Colvin's novel is a magical evocation of a glittering period of history.

Reviews

Plots, secret assignations and emotional turmoil give the book dramatic intensity; the period setting which has been beautifully researched adds the vibrancy and colour to a well-crafted historical novel -- Eithne Farry * Daily Mail *
This biographical romance does what every good historical novel should. It entertains with a full range of ribbons and lace debauchery, and serves as a refresher course in history * Independent *
Clare Colvin uses great imaginative skill to recreate and illuminate a historical epoch -- Michael Arditti * Daily Express *
Clare Colvin weaves a dazzling tapestry of intrigue * Independent on Sunday *

Author Bio

Clare Colvin's first novel, A Fatal Season, received excellent reviews. She is also a well-known journalist and short story writer whose work has appeared in anthologies, on radio and has been translated in Europe. She writes regularly for national newspapers and magazines and is a former literary editor of the Express on Sunday.