English Magic and Imperial Madness - The Anti-Colonial Politics of Susanna Clarke's Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell

Locating the consequences of the eruption of magical unreason within the context of England's imperial history, this study examines Merlin and his legacy, the roles of magicians throughout history, the racism at work in the character of Stephen Black, the meaning behind the fantasy of magic's return, and the Englishness of English magic itself.