Although magic's existence in England has faded, the reclusive Mr. Norrell is discovered in Yorkshire.

When Jonathan Strange's magical ability grows, he comes to London to take up an apprenticeship with Mr. Norrell.

As Jonathan Strange fights the Napoleonic armies, he accesses ancient, but troubling magic; Mr. Norrell tries to keep his secrets hidden.

When Norrell refuses to let Strange study disreputable magic, a rift forms between them; the Gentleman plans to enchant Arabella.

Jonathan Strange returns from the battle of Waterloo, but his hopes for a peaceful life with Arabella are destroyed when the Gentleman tricks him into a fiendish magical bargain that wrecks all his hopes of happiness.

Desperate to resurrect his wife, Strange drives himself insane to access dangerous fairy magic, but when the evil Gentleman discovers that Strange now has the power to enter his realm, he unleashes a terrible curse.