The World of All Souls: A Guide to A Discovery of Witches, shadow of Night and The Book of Life (All Souls Trilogy Guide) by Deborah Harkness

 

Synopsis

Discover the truths, the history, the myths and the magic behind the bestselling All Souls trilogy. Fall under the spell once more with this all-encompassing insider’s guide to A Discovery of Witches, Shadow of Night and The Book of Life.

The All Souls trilogy by Deborah Harkness, featuring historian and witch Diana Bishop and vampire scientist Matthew Clairmont, delves into mythology, alchemy, literature and architecture. And history is brought to life. With her signature historian’s touch, Deborah Harkness offers an encyclopaedic look at the series, complete with synopses, character biographies, maps, recipes, and even the science behind creatures, magic and alchemy.

Bursting with fascinating facts and original artwork, The World of All Souls is the ultimate companion for fans of the All Souls trilogy and unlocks this fantastical world, letting you in on all its secrets and mysteries.

 

Review

If you or anyone you know is a fan of the All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness then this book is a must buy.  At just under five hundred pages, this book has all you need to know about the trilogy.  It includes a synopsis of all three books, A Discovery of Witches, Shadow of Night and Book of Life, has a list of all the characters and the the organisations, details of the locations and lifestyles.  There is also details of the science, alchemy, literature all referred to in the books.  These are further supplemented by wonderful illustrations from Colleen Madden.

My daughter bought me this for my birthday, and it has been a wonderful companion to the books as I have read them.  It opens the door to the magical world of Matthew and Diana, and is a treasure trove of information and separates the fact from the fiction.  The illustrations bring the books to life; the art, fashion and jewellery, the alchemical symbols and imagery.  There are also photographs of the places that inspired Deborah Harkness and that appear in the books.

What I loved was an outtake from Shadow of Night, which adds more detail of Matthew and Diana’s voyage to France from England in 1590 and Matthew’s scientific research over the centuries.  Also very intersting is ‘A Conversation with Deborah Harkness’ in which she discusses the inspiration and writing of the All Souls Trilogy, the characters, and constructing the world of the books.

The World of All Souls answers all the questions you wish you could ask Deborah Harkness, and has the background information of the science, and historical facts.  This is a fabulous reference book, with gorgeous illustrations, that enhances your enjoyment of the trilogy.  This is a must for fans of the All Souls Trilogy, and the perfect Christmas gift for another fan or to yourself.