The Calligrapher is the debut novel of Edward Docx, published in 2003. It was selected by both San Francisco Chronicle and San Jose Mercury as a 'Best Book of the Year'. It was also a finalist for the William Saroyan International Prize for Writing. As of 2012 it had been translated into eight languages.

Plot introduction

Narrated by Jasper Jackson, an accomplished calligrapher and serial seducer living off Warwick Avenue, London, the story tells how his seemingly perfect life unravels when his most recent infidelity is discovered and his girlfriend Lucy leaves him. Jasper, though, is soon captivated by a new neighbour Madeleine Belmont, a travel-writer, whilst he is commissioned to transcribe the Songs and Sonnets of John Donne for a wealthy American businessman. The book describes his growing love and commitment to Madeleine, illuminated by observations from the sonnets he is transcribing. But will his relationship with Madeleine last?

Reception