The School of Night

by Louis Bayard

An ancient mystery, a lost letter, and a timeless love unleash a long-buried web of intrigue that spans four centuries

In the late sixteenth century, five brilliant scholars gather under the cloak of darkness to discuss God, politics, astronomy, and the black arts. Known as the School of Night, they meet in secret to avoid the wrath of Queen Elizabeth. But one of the men, Thomas Harriot, has secrets of his own, secrets he shares with one person only: the servant woman he loves.

In modern-day Washington, D.C., disgraced Elizabethan scholar Henry Cavendish has been hired by the ruthless antiquities collector Bernard Styles to find a missing letter. The letter dates from the 1600s and was stolen by Henry's close friend, Alonzo Wax. Now Wax is dead and Styles wants the letter back.

But the letter is an object of interest to others, too. It may be the clue to a hidden treasure; it may contain the long-sought formula for alchemy; it most certainly will prove the existence of the group of men whom Shakespeare dubbed the School of Night but about whom little is known. Joining Henry in his search for the letter is Clarissa Dale, a mysterious woman who suffers from visions that only Henry can understand. In short order, Henry finds himself stumbling through a secretive world of ancient perils, caught up in a deadly plot, and ensnared in the tragic legacy of a forgotten genius.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Thriller, Historical, Mystery Thriller

338 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

A staff writer for Salon.com, Bayard has written articles and reviews for the New York Times, the Washington Post, Nerve.com, and Preservation, among others. Bayard lives in Washington, D.C.

Reviews

[Will Byrnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was difficult to believe that Alonzo Wax was dead. A collector extraordinaire, books, papers, antiquities, he was also a tornado of a personality, and seemed rather an unlikely suicide. His friend, Elizabethan scholar Henry Cavendish, is surprised to learn that he has been named executor of Alonzo’s estate. Soon after, the sinister Mr. Styles seeks him out, eager to retrieve from Alonzo’s estate a document that he claims Alonzo stole (think Sydney Greenstreet) from him. The large gentleman accompanying Styles gives his request increased urgency, and the money Styles offers makes this an offer the cash-challenged Henry cautiously welcomes. The sought-after document was a letter from Raleigh to his friend Thomas Herriot. When Alonzo’s assistant is found dead and a large collection of books is missing from a temperature controlled vault, the game is afoot. What is this document, and why is it so heartily pursued? Who is Styles and what is he capable of?


Louis Bayard -image from his site

The “School of Night” of the title refers to a group of late 16th and early 17th century intellectuals, giants of their time, both scientifically and literarily inclined. The group included Sir Walter Raleigh, Christopher Marlowe, George Chapman, and Thomas Herriot, among others. And how could anyone use an Elizabethan setting and not include at least a little William Shakespeare? Alonzo had sought to create a modern version when he and Henry were students.

The story alternates settings between 2009 and 1603, counterpointing Henry’s relationship with co-seeker Clarissa Dale and Herriot’s relationship with his employee, Margaret Crookenshanks. Bayard also mirrors the friendships of Raleigh-Herriot and Alonzo-Henry. Structurally, this works pretty well. There is plenty of informational payload in The School of Night, a look into life in the early 17th century, a bit of scientific research, a bit of plague, some politics.

The action is fast-paced and engaging. There is enough to care about in Henry’s character, and maybe more in the characters of the 17th century figures. Danger and a sense of adventure abound and keep the action moving, both physically and intellectually. Will the characters figure out the code embedded in the document? Will they locate that to which it points?

I found it rather clichéd that, near the end, there is a scene that is straight out of Agatha Christie, in which one character explains it all to those present. But overall I quite enjoyed the journey while learning a thing or two. Recommended beach reading for sure. I read this in summer but class was definitely in.

=============================EXTRA STUFF

Links to Bayard's personal, Twitter, and Facebook

My reviews of other Bayard books
-----The Black Tower
-----Mr. Timothy
-----The Pale Blue Eye

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel comprises two interwoven narratives, that of the brilliant Thomas Harriot, furtively undertaking his experiments at Syon House in 1603, and that of Henry Cavendish, a present-day discredited Raleigh scholar scratching a living in Washington DC.

Thanks to a chance meeting at the funeral of his best friend, Cavendish reluctantly embarks on a literary treasure hunt that promises riches and restored reputation. As the bodies of acquaintances pile up, Cavendish, his newly-acquired love interest, Clarissa, and shadowy stalker, Halldor, cross the Atlantic in search of Harriot’s hoard.

Meanwhile, four hundred years earlier Harriot, too, is engaged in perilous research. With the arrival of the James I, the late Queen’s old favourites, including Raleigh, Percy, and by association Harriot himself, face incarceration in the Tower, or worse.

There is no doubt that Bayard can spin a gripping yarn and the suspense of both strands builds towards a satisfying climax. He is also clever at bringing to life the pestilent streets of historic London, and would definitely recommend.

[Jacqie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've really loved the Louis Bayard books I've read in the past, so I was pretty excited about this galley. Sadly, this book does not live up to his other efforts. I think the problem is that he's trying to keep two story threads going, and one of them is not as engaging as the other. The book starts in the present time, just after a funeral for the narrator's good friend. There's a purloined letter, a scholarly reputations in ruins, a secret code, and a mysterious woman. Seems like the right mix for a good book, right? Maybe not so much. The tough chick ends up with our hero for no good reason, wears floaty dresses (which most tough chicks don't spend a lot of time in), and has seemingly endless patience for our hero to wax on about the vagaries of the spellings of Ralegh.
The best part of the book takes place during Elizabethan times, centering around Thomas Harriot. If this book had been strictly set during this time, I would have stayed fascinated. Maybe the author was trying to get in on the success of Da Vinci Code and other secret society-type books. But what he's best at is evoking periods of days gone by- he can make the past come to life. His modern day characters just don't seem as real.

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say? I am a sucker for the Elizabethan period and all its conspiracies and plots. Added to the mix is Shakespeare, Kit Marlowe, Raleigh and little known Tom Harriott so I loved all the historical data and mysteries. Actualy I loved all Bayard's books to date.

[Joanne Moyer]

I noticed that a few reviewers gave The School of Night a low rating because they felt it wasn't as good as other Louis Bayard books they'd read. If that's the case, I can't wait to read them because I thought School was great. Part historical fiction, part thriller, treasure hunt, love story, secret societies ~ it's got it all. The story goes back and forth between 2009 and Elizabethan England with the current day characters trying to solve a mystery left by the characters from the past. You'll meet some familiar faces along the way like Sir Walter Raleigh and Kit Marlowe and some maybe not so familiar like Thomas Harriot, whom the story revolves around. The School of Night was a great ride from start to finish for me and I recommend it to everyone.

[Tweetybird · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book ... decided to read it after I read and thoroughly enjoyed the second in the 'All Souls Trilogy' written by historian and author Deborah Harkness. Her 'Shadow of Night' set in Elizabethan England touched upon this band of famous men, and prompted me to seek out other historical fiction on the subject. I felt thorougly engrossed in the time and place, and well-educated on these seemingly forgotten historical figures (especially Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland, and Thomas Harriot). Recommend it!

[*ೃ༄Carly *ೃ༄ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf at : 61%

This is MY opinion. I'm so sorry to this author, I'm sure this book was great. But I was lost THE ENTIRE TIME.. I was constantly looking up what words and the backstories behind the book. I feel like this is the right book for people interested in history but it just did not stick with me. I did really try to finish this book, but I think I'm just wasting my time.

[Bev · Rating 2 out of 5]

The School of Night by Louis Bayard has a really interesting premise. He starts with a secret society made up of Sir Walter Raleigh (oops, Ralegh--don't ask me why we've decided to ditch the "I"), Christopher "Kit" Marlowe, Thomas Harriot and others....the School of Night. A group of men who dare to think about such forbidden topics as alchemy and paganism, who question the existence of God and the meaning of life. In modern times, a page of a letter from Raleigh to Harriot comes to light and with it the promise of a hidden treasure.

Raleigh scholar and ousted academic, Henry Cavendish is drawn into the treasure hunt by his former friend and confidante, Alonzo Wax. Cavendish, Wax, and a mysterious woman named Clarissa work together to decipher Harriot's coded treasure map on the back of the letter....they're in a race against time and against the letter's alleged owner. A man with a load of wealth and a couple of heavy-duty thugs to back him up when push comes to shove. What treasure lies buried in the spot marked X on the map....and who will wind up with it? Those are the questions in Bayard's book.

As I said, an interesting premise. The synopsis grabbed me and made me want to read the book. But the book didn't live up to the promise. I really didn't find myself invested in the characters. Cavendish is a bit of a loser. And he didn't win me over as the underdog who will make good--the man down-on-his-luck who deserves better, so cheer him on! I really didn't care if he and his friends decoded the map and found the treasure or not. And....when they finally do decode the map...well, let me just say that it's all a bit of a let-down.

There is also the disjointed juggling of the current day treasure hunt story and the flashbacks to the days of Harriot. That didn't work so well either. Clarissa supposedly has visions (or nightmares or visitations or some such thing) where she "sees" what's going on back in Harriot's day. And, other than being the only way Bayard seemed to be able to think of to tell us all that historical stuff, it was all kind of pointless. The flashbacks didn't help Cavendish & company find the treasure, decode the map or anything. They were just there. Not very effective. But the funny thing is, Bayard's writing is so compelling that I had to finish the darn thing anyway. I couldn't NOT read it. Now I'm going to have to try another of his books just to see if he can write a better story. 'Cause a better story with his compelling writing style would be pretty awesome indeed. Two and a half stars for this one. Just.

This was first posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had surprise written all over it. I have had it on my shelves for a few years and I typically don't go back and check out what a book is about before I pick it up at whatever later time. This book came up under my a-z reading challenge while I was packing for my annual vacation on the Outer Banks. little did I know that barely 50 pages into the book, it would shift to Nags Head for a piece, and would look back on the original settlers. And the plague of 1603, still years before the great plague, came into play later. The book was fun overall and great vacation entertainment. Now to look up his other books.

[Hank Stuever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: Louis Bayard is a friend. So for that, he gets an extra star. Fun, smart read weaves modern-day scholarship mystery and Elizabethan-era secrets. Great for vacation.

[Jaclyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

The School of Night has everything it takes to be a bestseller: plot twists (one too many, in fact), present-day sex, 16th-century sex, a giant Scandinavian named Halldor, a possibly murderous book collector - bet you never heard that one before! - and an ancient mystery that poses real danger to contemporary characters. It reminded me very much of The Da Vinci Code, only the ancient mystery was not religious.

Here's the premise: Henry Cavendish is "a disgraced Elizabethan scholar" whose best friend, book collector Alonzo Wax, has recently committed suicide. Henry, named executor of Alonzo's estate, is approached at Alonzo's funeral by Bernard Styles, a dapper old gentleman book collector, and his hefty sidekick Halldor. Styles tells Henry that before he died, Alonzo stole something from him - the second page of a letter written by Sir Walter Ralegh. Styles offers Henry $10,000 up front, plus $90,000 upon completion of the job, to track the letter down and return it to him. Henry joins forces with Clarissa Dale, a thirty-something "business major," who is suffering from visions that might be related to the letter. Soon Henry and Clarissa are drawn into a tangled web of mystery and deception that might just endanger their lives. Henry and Clarissa's story is woven with that of Thomas Harriott, a 16th-century scholar known as "England's Galileo," who might have hidden some really cool treasure somewhere. But Harriott has another treasure - an assistant housekeeper named Margaret Crookenshanks, who becomes his life's great love. As Henry and Clarissa stalk treasure in the 21st century, Tom and Margaret form their eternal bond in the 16th, until both worlds come crashing together.

I'm giving The School of Night two stars, even though I believe I gave The Da Vinci Code three, because I just wasn't really impressed. I cruised through it quickly enough, but I never felt completely engrossed in the story. Even at the most exciting points, I didn't have that hard of a time putting the book down and walking away. I also felt that where The Da Vinci Code was new and creative, The School of Night was simply a re-hash of old themes and stories that have gotten quite stale on recent bestseller lists. This book was written with the bestseller list in mind. And that's all well and good - I'm not proud, I obviously read The Da Vinci Code after all, although thus far I've managed to avoid The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - for some reason I had this idea that I was getting literary fiction. I don't know where I got that from - I must have seen The School of Night on a book blog. Yes, it's probably unfair of me to come down hard on the book because my unreasonable expectations were disappointed. Is it the book's fault that it wasn't what I expected it to be? No, of course not. But at the end of the day, it just didn't do much for me. I wasn't really invested in the characters, I didn't feel surprised by any of the so-called plot twists (of which there were many), and I just don't know what I got out of this book. Still, I suppose it's a great "summer book" or "beach book" if you believe in that sort of thing. Light, exciting (I guess), with the required "historical mystery" plot that has been so popular. Make room in your beach bags, kids. Otherwise, leave this one on the shelf and go read The Da Vinci Code if you must.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strange, interesting, entertaining read from a new to me author. His style is a bit different but I liked it. I might read more of his books.

[Judith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a hybrid: a mystery that spans centuries. The action takes place in the present but relies on historical resources.

According to the novel, Thomas Harriot, a 16th-century scientist, led a secret group of thinkers, who met in the dark of night to discuss subjects banned by the state. The group was illustrious, containing many well known scholars, artists, scientists. They called themselves the School of Night. Incidentally, Harriot did exist.

In our time, Henry Cavendish, whose scholarly credentials have been ripped from him because of a mistake he made, is hired to find an original letter written by one of the School of Night participants. He is offered a large sum and told that a friend of his, who recently died, stole it.

Cavendish ultimately assembles a somewhat motley crew of searchers, and they take off where they feel they will find this letter. They have reason to believe that the client was not entirely truthful, and they therefore don't keep him informed. It isn't long before the team finds its members threatened.

Throughout, we occasionally go back in time and enter Harriot's world and learn of an attraction he has to a mysterious woman. Through bits the story comes together and the centuries meet.

[Marie Richter · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times, I have a very distinct thought about what I want to read next... then the universe intervenes and changes my plans. In this instance, I am grateful the universe prevailed.

The School Of Night is a joy of a story: intelligent, funny, lovely, and thrilling. Bayard somehow mixes together characters from the present day with historical figures from the 1600s and delivers a tale that makes you wish it all could really happen. Well, not “all,” as there is a fair amount of human rottenness in the book, but to quote the spark that sets the story ablaze: “From nothing comes nothing.” In other words, it’s the nastiness as much as anything else that provides Bayard with a story to tell, and for readers to enjoy.

The lack of the fifth star has more to do with my own ignorance. There were many specific historical and literary references that simply sailed over my head, and made the book a bit challenging at times as a reader. That said, I think they were necessary for plot and character development, and because of that I navigated around them when needed. I would have also switched the order of the last two chapters; the final paragraph of chapter 53 was perfection and would have closed the book out on a gratifying note rarely seen from authors these days.

[Lisa]

In 16th century England, a group of noted Elizabethan scholars gathered in secret to discuss potentially heretical ideas; this group is known to modern historians as the “School of Night.” 400 years later, Henry Cavendish and his friend Alonzo Wax sought to create such a philosophical school of their own. Years later, Alonzo is dead and has named disgraced academic Henry the executor of his affairs. On the day of Alonzo’s funeral, Henry is approached by noted book collector Bernard Styles regarding an old letter that had been “borrowed” by Alonzo. This letter is purportedly written to Thomas Harriot, a lesser known member of the School of Night, and may just contain the location of a valuable treasure…

The School of Night contains all the elements of the modern historical thriller. There’s a lost treasure, secret codes, murders, and prominent historical figures. What sets Bayard’s novel apart, however, is the story of Thomas Harriot that is told throughout the novel.

Less is known about Harriot as compared to his colleagues Walter Raleigh and Christopher Marlowe, but his numerous achievements are revealed both in the present story and in sections set in early 1600s England. These past chapters are largely a love story, in which Harriot shares his knowledge of optics with learned servant girl Margaret Crookenshanks. As Harriot and Margaret’s love story unfolds, it also brings to light Harriot’s scientific achievements. The historical sections are very well done, and are some of the most interesting parts of the novel.

The present-day characters are admittedly less intriguing than some of the past character, although they are well developed. The romance between Henry and femme fatale Clarissa Dale simply pales to Thomas and Margaret’s. The “thriller” sections also move a bit slow in parts, and much of the search for clues is a bit dull due to the characters having ready access to the internet and Google. Finally, there’s also the strange addition of Clarissa’s purported visions, which don’t really fit with the rest of the novel and are never really explained.

Although it does have flaws, The School of Night is an interesting read about an interesting historical figure.

A review copy was provided through the Librarything Early Reviewers program.

[Amy Lignor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alonzo Wax has taken his own life and his friends have gathered to say goodbye. Apparently this scholar and Elizabethan collector decided to jump off a bridge, leaving a final message with certain people - including his once close friend, Henry Cavendish - that read: The School of Night is back in business.

Henry is amazed as he sits with the funeral party thinking over is past relationship with Alonzo, wondering why such an energetic man would simply call it a day. When a woman dressed in scarlet walks into the venue, Henry is even more intrigued, but before he can get to the female he is waylaid by a man named Bernard Styles. He, too, is a rich collector and tells Henry that he wants a letter back written by the poet, Ralegh, that Alonzo stole from him. Henry is, after all, Alonzo’s executor and Bernard wants the letter found and returned immediately.

The School of Night is spoken of, as Bernard offers background on this 16th century group who were the most notable men of their time; men who got together to discuss everything that they weren’t allowed to discuss in public (being under royal rule) without having their heads cut from their bodies. Even Shakespeare mentions the School of Night in his own plays.

If the letter is real it could rejuvenate Henry’s own career, seeing as that he’s basically been erased from the academic world because of a mistake he made long ago. Henry soon finds himself looking at murder, revenge, and the woman in scarlet who appears once again to let Henry know about her ‘visions’ of Thomas Harriot - the leader of The School of Night - and a treasure that may still exist.

From the codes to the ciphers; from dual stories that offer the reader a look at what actually did occur in the 16th century, to a treasure hunt of mammoth proportions, this bestselling author has done it once again. The mystery is unsolvable, the characters are fascinating, and just when you believe that all is figured out, yet another door opens that keeps this book moving quickly from beginning until end. A fantastic read!

[Ariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first Louis Baynard book and I really enjoyed it. I love historical fiction, adventure, and romance and this book had all three elements. This book reminded me of the movie National Treasure in that it involves academic type people in search for an object of historical significance. It even reminded a little Indiana Jones, Last Crusade as well *spoiler alert* when Claire reveals what side she is on. Claire reminded me of Elsa in the movie.

The plot of the book revolves around a disgraced academic joining forces with his supposedly deceased friend, and a new female acquaintance in order to find a treasure from the 1600's. The treasure was supposedly owned by Thomas Harriot who was a member of the School of night which was a group made up of leading academics of the day. The story goes back and forth between the 1600's where we learn about Thomas Harriot and his relationship with his assistant Margaret and the present day where we watch Henry Cavendish and friends unravel the mystery while being pursued by Styles and his henchman.

Overall I really liked this book. It started a little slow for me but as I got into it and understood more it really picked up steam. I couldn't put it down once I got to the part where Harriot realized he was in love with Margaret. This was my favorite part of the book. I thought the ending was very fitting. It tied up all the loose ends and everything ended up just as I thought it should. There were even some surprise twists I didn't see coming that finished out the book. I don't know if I would have picked this up so I am really glad I got the chance to review a copy. I will be recommending this book to friends.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun thriller centered around another gaggle of modern-day book hunters (Elizabethan and Shakespearean this time around) and their 17th-century quarry. The contemporary protagonist is Henry Cavendish, a likable and scholarly loser surrounded by friends who may or may not share his goals. And who may not be his friends at all, for that matter. The part of the story set in the early 1600s revolves around Thomas Harriot, a close friend of Walter Raleigh and beer buddy of Christopher Marlowe and that whole gang. Harriot has a servant girl who impresses him and becomes much more as he delves into his own research on the usual (for that group) topics of alchemy, astrology, paganism and the like. The contemporary story is a chase to nail down the provenance and legitimacy of a particular document which has all the makings of launching an all-out treasure hunt. How things are resolved is not at all given away prematurely, and lots of interesting twists take place in both timelines. I really, really liked the understated and subtle wit throughout, and the final plot turn on the contemporary front was especially good. Overall, a fun and very interesting read for fans of the book hunter theme and fans of that particular period of history.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all of Bayard's historical thrillers, but this one disappointed me. He took an interesting historical premise: a secretive group of humanist thinkers meeting to discuss radical ideas in science, religion and politics - and Da Vinci Coded it up with a cardboard villain, his hulking sidekick, and too many improbable feats of derring-do. I know the reading public loves a fast-paced book, but this one bought its fast pace at the expense of the development of a truly intriguing story. I hoped to learn a lot more about the ideas of Walter Ralegh, Christopher Marlowe, Thomas Harriot. This is the first of Bayard's novels set - partly - in contemporary times, and his modern-day characters were nowhere near as colorful and interesting as the historical characters Bayard usually creates. For me, the book only came alive during the historical bits, and they were too short.

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am of a mixed mind on this novel. Parts of the novel were incredible, well paced, and even moving. I got very caught up in the flashback sections and was even moved to tears at the end of the story with Tom and Margaret.

The first part and last part of the story with Clarissa and Henry were well done. However, the whole middle section with Alonzo and Bernard Styles just were so-so.

However, it was a good story just not up to Mr. Bayard's high level of previous work. I have loved his other books: Mr. Timothy, Pale Blue Eye, and the Black Tower. In fact, The Black Tower was one of the best books I read/listened to last year. This one just disappointed in my view.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book leans heavily on the fiction side of historical fiction, I found it an enjoyable read and tried not to be bothered with the liberties it takes with history. I really liked the main characters, for all their flaws, and thought the plot moved along quickly. (I'd would find that I had read 40 pages in less than a half an hour.) The book does a good job balancing the parts set in the present and on the past, and I found that I liked both eras equally, which is unusual for me with a book that has parallel plots. This isn't going to be a great classic, but here Bayard has spun an enjoyable yarn. Three and a half stars out of five.

[Marne Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although there were parts of this novel that strained credulity, and at times it seemed like nothing but a less-intellectual version of Possession, I quite enjoyed my time with this book. Both stories, the one in the present day and the one in 1603, keep moving at a steady pace and are rarely predictable. Both love stories are believable and touching without being too melodramatic. And Bayard's writing is smooth and deft. If you like literary treasure hunt novels in general, you'll probably like this one.

[Ellemir · Rating 2 out of 5]

Vom Thema hatte mich dieses Buch zunächst angesprochen, allerdings hat es mich am Ende eher verwirrt zurückgelassen - mir schien einfach zu viel in dieses doch eher kurze Buch hineingepackt und so manche "überraschende Wendung" schien mir ein überzogener Versuch zu sein, die Spannung auf Kosten der Glaubwürdigkeit zu erhöhen.

Vielleicht schaue ich irgendwann noch einmal in ein weiteres Buch des Autors, das hier fand ich aber eher schwach.

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The School of Night is written in first person narrative. This novel builds in suspense to the last chapter. The main character, Henry, is personable, as are a few of the other characters - Alonzo, Clarissa and Bernard. Bayard has written an enjoyable read.

[Rebecca]

This one just didn't grab me, alas. I liked the idea, but it has a slow and rather depressing start, and I couldn't see it getting any more cheerful.

[Hal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast paced with some plot twists, not all of which were particularly believable.

[Karie · Rating 3 out of 5]

By the end of “The School of Night”, I was surprised by how much I was enjoying it and how interested I was in seeing how the story ended. The parallel timelines, one in 1603 and one in 2009 both keep the reader guessing, and after a brief bit of struggle to find their voices, the characters in both centuries become intriguing. Scholars, certainly, but most of all the characters are very human, and become caught up in life’s most basic of dramas.

“They would repeat it in unison and with glad hearts, because no matter how hard they had gone at it, they knew it was something of a miracle, finding – not like minds, exactly – like hungers. Whatever their differences in station or stature, they wished to know what could be known or couldn’t.”

At times the driving energy seems to be in 2009, with Henry Cavendish and Clarissa Dale as they strive to uncover mysteries hundreds of years old. Henry himself is a bit of a mystery as he struggles to find a calling, a path forward. That path is forever changed by a woman he meets at a funeral, Clarissa Dale, and by a mystery that he is drawn into by forces both modern and long ago.

“This is where my little track of linearity breaks down. Because when he next spoke, it was as if he’d already spoken. And it was as if Alonzo was speaking, too, from his watery grave. And maybe some part of me was chiming in. All of us in the same helpless chord, not quite in tune but impossible to disaggregate.”

And then the focus of the book moves to the past, to a man struggling to find answers in his world, ones that he seems determined to pry from Nature…and instead, scientist Thomas Harriot encounters an even bigger natural force.

“He sees her. He stammers, he half rises, the book tumbles from his lap, he stoops for it, then jerks upright. All these actions betray him, but more than anything else, it is his eyes, the way they receive her image and bend it and absorb it and send it back.”

Historical fiction, when done well, can be compelling. “The School of Night” was a good example of a modern day treasure hunt and of romance across the ages. With only a few discordant notes (there was an oddly large amount of product placement…) this book gains speeds and then hooks the reader completely.

[James Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy historical novels especially when they involve mystery and intrigue. An Instance of the Fingerpost by Ian Pears comes to mind as a particular favorite. Bayard's novel is similar while adding a contemporary mystery with its counterpart set at the end of the Elizabethan era.

Henry Cavendish is a disgraced Elizabethan scholar, fooled by a forgery of a poem supposedly written by Walter Raleigh. As a result, Henry has chosen to turn to tutoring and odd jobs in Washington, D.C. As the story begins he has reconnected with Alonzo Wax, a college friend and a book collector. The eccentric Wax, perhaps the most interesting character in the novel, has purloined part of a letter that sheds light on the fabled "School of Night", a secret congregation of illustrious Elizabethan-era intellects like Raleigh, Christopher Marlowe and a brilliant but little-known scientist named Thomas Harriot. The school delved into theology, philosophy and science perhaps bordering on alchemy, in a manner thought traitorous and blasphemous. Wax apparently commits suicide, but he also reveals his discovery to Cavendish, and to Clarissa Dale, a woman Wax met at a lecture who claims psychic visions of Harriot, and to another antique book collector.

At Wax's memorial service, Henry is approached by the supposed owner of the letter, an English antiquities collector named Bernard Styles, and offered a handsome sum to find and return the letter. No sooner than he starts to inquire about this Wax's devoted assistant is murdered and Wax's collection is stolen. Henry and Clarissa uncover clues that lead them to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, near where Harriot studied Native Americans during the failed attempt to establish an English colony. There they find Wax in hiding, claiming the letter points to a treasure. Clues then lead the trio to Syon House in England, the ancestral seat of the Earl of Northumberland, where Harriot once lived.

Through all of the contemporary adventures there are flashbacks provided in interpolated chapters set in the historical Elizabethan era featuring Thomas Harriot and his love, Margaret Crookshanks. The combination of the ancient mystery, lost treasure, and suspenseful intrigue, make this an historical novel that I can recommend to all.

[Cecilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book - with a few caveats. Throughout the book Louis Bayard quotes Elizabethan-era luminaries such as Sir Walter Raleigh ( writer, poet, soldier, politician, courtier, spy and explorer), Shakespeare, and Marlowe. There is poetry and portions of olde English writings that a classical literature expert would understand and appreciate. For me, they added to the depth of the story but were a distraction trying to understand what was meant.

Bayard jumps from 2009 Washington D.C., back to 1603 Ilesworth and London, England. Several other characters [beyond Henry and Clarissa current day and Thomas Harriott (English astronomer, mathematician, ethnographer and translator who made advances within the scientific field), his assistant, Margaret Crookenshanks in 1600's] are rare Elizabethan book collectors and (spoiler alert) total rogues.

Until I struggled to reach page 92, I wasn't sure what was happening, who was playing what role in the story and what the objective was. I came close to putting it down more than once, but I persevered and am glad I did.

The story teller and quasi-hero, Henry, states on page one that this is a love story. It actually is two love stories or more accurately if I understood what the author was trying to convey, a love story reincarnation.

So much of the dialogue is rich and classical, almost lyrical which is one factor that kept me entertained. There are also references to the scientific and medical beliefs of the 1600's as well as the social and class distinctions which were inherent to the age. Henry has some great lines and is a skeptic and sarcastic young man who is brighter, it turns out, that one first thinks.

By the time you get to page 338, you will understand that what appears to be a murder -mystery/treasure hunt where everyone betrays everyone else is truly a love story. Great book!

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved The Pale Blue Eye; sadly this one doesn't quite live up to how good that one was, but it was a fun romp nonetheless.

I keep describing this to people as "the Da Vinci code for smart people." That's not the best description; what I mean is that the characters themselves, for the most part, are not idiots like Robert Langdon. (It's been 17 years since I read it and I'm still mad about the four pages of, "Wow, what strange writing! I wonder what this is!" when it's THE MOST OBVIOUS THING IN THE WORLD THAT IT'S MIRROR WRITING.) When there are codes they figure them out relatively quickly. There are also a few clues scattered around so I was able to figure out a couple of the twists. I don't mind that if only because it means it's very clearly plotted and the ending isn't a left-field out-of-nowhere twist that makes zero logical sense. The two main things I figured were "the treasure is Margaret, obviously" and "there's something off about Clarissa because she used the word 'starkers' and I didn't think Americans typically used that word."

I will say I was less crazy about the romance/relationship between Henry and Clarissa. They know each other for all of a few days and immediately he's like, "Oh my god, she's amazing, I think I'm in love with her." It did feel kind of male wish-fulfill-y "middle-aged scholar gets with the woman a decade-ish his junior who meets him and immediately loves him." The ending made me feel a little bit more for Clarissa, especially given the parallel between her/Margaret and Henry/Harriot, but it also felt kind of unnecessary.

This was a fun, goofy romp though, and I had a good time. I do love a good "scholars whip out guns" kind of book.