A classic tale of fantasy and self-delusion from one of the most acclaimed British novelists of the twentieth century

'Quietly and devastatingly amusing' Hilary Mantel

Fifteen-year-old Angel knows she is different, that she is destined to become a wealthy, famous author. Escaping the dreariness of her provincial life, she locks herself in her room, pouring all her fantasies on to the page.

After reading The Lady Irania, the publishers are certain it will be a success, in spite of - or perhaps because of - its overblown style. But they are curious about who could have written such a book: 'Angelica Deverell is too good a name to be true . . . she might be an old man. It would be an amusing variation. You are expecting to meet Mary Anne Evans and in walks George Eliot twirling his moustache.' So nothing can prepare them for the pale young woman who enters the room, with not a seed of irony or a grain of humour in her soul.

'One of Taylor's sharpest and funniest works' New York Times

'Marvellous . . . One of the most moving books I've read for a long time, as well as one of the funniest' Sam Jordison, Guardian

INTRODUCED BY HILARY MANTEL

Elizabeth Taylor is finally being recognised as an important British author: an author of great subtlety, great compassion and great depth - Sarah Waters


Writing stories that are extravagant and fanciful, fifteen-year old Angel retreats to a world of romance, escaping the drabness of provincial life. She knows she is different, that she is destined to become a feted authoress, owner of great riches and of Paradise House . . .

After reading The Lady Irania, publishers Brace and Gilchrist are certain the novel will be a success, in spite of - perhaps because of - its overblown style. But they are curious as to who could have written such a book - an elderly lady, romanticising behind lace curtains? A mustachioed rogue?

They were not expecting it to be the pale, serious teenage girl, sitting before them without a hint of irony in her soul.

*

'Her stories remain with one, indelibly, as though they had been some turning-point in one's own experience' Elizabeth Bowen

'No writer has described the English middle classes with more gently devastating accuracy' Rebecca Abrams, Spectator