Exclusive interview with author Louis Bayard and a review of his new novel about a missing letter and a secret society in 1603.
Rating: 3 Stars
By Gabrielle Pantera
“Professor Google gave me the idea,” says The School of Night author Louis Bayard. “One afternoon I was jumping from link to link, as I tend to do when I’m either bored or scouting new subjects. I came across a Wikipedia page on something called “The School of Night.” All I had to do was see that name, speak it in my head, and I was hooked before I even knew what the School was.”
Bayard tells the story from two different points of view and with dry humor. One thread takes place in current time following a group of Elizabethan collectors and scholars as they try to piece together a mystery involving a valuable letter that’s been lost for many years. The second plot line is set in 1603. One of the school’s founding members, Thomas Harriot, is a genius whose name has been almost forgotten. He learns about scientific and black arts and matters of the heart. Bayard handles the modern tale believably and we’re transported back to the 1600s.
In the contemporary tale, Elizabethan scholar Henry Cavendish is hired in Washington, D.C. by antiquities collector Bernard Styles to find a missing letter written in the 1600s. The letter was stolen by Alonzo Wax. Now Wax is dead and Styles wants the letter back. Others are interested in the letter for its clues to the School of Night and its secrets. Joining Henry in his search is Clarissa Dale, who has visions that Henry interprets to help solve the mystery.
The story switches to 1603 where Thomas Harriot and four other scholars gather in the dark of night for intellectual discussions about politics, astronomy, God and the black arts despite fears that Queen Elizabeth will have them arrested. Thomas has other secrets that he shares with Margaret, a servant with whom he falls in love.
Bayard did most of his research through books. “I’m lucky enough to live a few blocks from the Library of Congress and the Folger Shakespeare Library, both amazing resources. I read primary sources, social histories and historical novels. I leafed through some Elizabethan poetry. I spent a few days in London, including Syon Park, where a good chunk of the story is set. If I ever write another book about Harriot, I’d definitely make a point of looking over his papers in the British Museum. Reading is really the best way to figure out how things were in the not-so-good old days.”
Bayard says he hears from many of his most knowledgeable readers. “Many take great delight in pointing out my errors…. poinsettias wouldn’t have been in an 1842 English drawing room, mockingbirds wouldn’t have migrated as far north as the Hudson Valley by 1830…that kind of thing. It keeps me alert. And humble.”
Books by Bayard include three other historical mysteries. Mr. Timothy is about a grown-up Tiny Tim. The Pale Blue Eye, about Edgar Allan Poe as a cadet, was nominated for both an Edgar and a Dagger Award. The Black Tower is about a real-life 19th century detective named Vidocq. Bayard has also penned two romantic comedies: Fool’s Errand and Endangered Species.
Bayard is currently writing a mystery/horror novel about Teddy Roosevelt and his son in the Brazilian jungle.
Bayard is based in Washington, D.C. He was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His mother is British. She grew up near Manchester. “I love having a UK readership,” says Bayard. It’s a great pleasure to write about British history and literature.”
The School of Night: A Novel, by Louis Bayard. Trade Paperback, 368 pages, Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin; Reprint edition (February 28, 2012). Language: English, ISBN: 9781250002303 $14.99.
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