A richly imagined literary historical novel set in Georgian London, based on a true story.

Volume 2 of the Chiswell Street Chronicles

London, 1780. As the city smoulders in the aftermath of the Gordon Riots, booksellers James and Dorcas Lackington resolve to fight despair not with charity, but with books. Convinced that reading is the surest path out of poverty, they launch a daring experiment to price books so low, even apprentices and servant girls might afford them.

Their prospects are uncertain, and Dorcas knows that life with James and his unshakable optimism will be anything but smooth. But Dorcas is no mere helpmeet. She is his compass, his conscience, and often the sharper mind.

In a modest corner of Moorfields, Lackington’s bookshop sparks a quiet revolution. Customers step through its door and discover philosophy and politics, and read about liberty, reason and love. But not everyone welcomes this awakening. The Junto, a powerful circle of men who believe books breed dangerous ideas in the minds of the poor, move to crush the Lackingtons’ venture.

As intimidation and threats mount, Dorcas understands survival won’t come from retreat, but from growing too large to be silenced. And so she imagines a cathedral to literature, not for kings or scholars, but for every woman and man who has ever been told knowledge is not theirs to claim – The Temple of the Muses.

Perfect for readers of Hilary Mantel, Tracy Chevalier, Rose Tremain, Jessie Burton, and Maggie O’Farrell.

‘Truly inspiring.’ JJ Marsh, author of Salt of the Earth

'One woman’s quiet revolution in a time of flux and ferment’ ~ Lorna Fergusson, author of The Chase________________________________________