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Unfortunately, O'Brien's height attracts more attention than he might like: John Hunter, a surgeon, becomes fascinated with the giant and obsessed with the possibility of dissecting him after he's dead. Thus Mantel sets up the central conflict of her novel: Hunter's thirst for knowledge and fame versus O'Brien's conviction that without his body his soul cannot go to heaven. In the mean streets of 18th-century London, the author explores the division of soul and body, imagination and rationalism, as she juxtaposes the two men's lives. In this collision of cultures and points of view, she offers no easy answers, but instead turns a disturbing spotlight on questions that continue to resonate to the present day. --Alix Wilber
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Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 1486915-n
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. From the author of Wolf Hall, Bring Up the Bodies and The Mirror & the Light, comes the true story of the 18th Century Irish giant, Charles OBrien, who was exhibited in London and eventually dissected by the surgeon John Hunter. Charles OBrien, bard and giant. The cynical are moved by his flights of romance; the craven stirred by his tales of epic deeds. But what of his own story as he is led from Ireland to seek his fortune beyond the seas in England?The Surprising Irish Giant may be the sensation of the season but only his compatriots seem to attend to his mythic powers of invention. A motley court surrounds him: slow witted Jankin; the thrusting Claffey brothers; sharp-tongued Bride Claskey, the procuress. None so low as Bitch Mary, and none so opportunistic as impressario Joe Vance, yet London shall make its mark on them all.In addition to the daunting task of taking his storytelling across the sea, The Giant O'Brien must be wary of John Hunter, a celebrated surgeon and anatomist who buys dead men from the gallows and the corpses of babies by the inch. The only problem for John Hunter is that the Giant is still alive. But for how long?The Giant, O Brien is an unforgettable novel; lyrical, shocking and spliced with black comedy. A vivid, sad and at times sordid tale based on the true story of an Irish giant and a Scottish surgeon in 18th-century London. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9781857028867
Book Description Soft Cover. Condition: new. Seller Inventory # 9781857028867
Book Description paperback. Condition: New. Language: ENG. Seller Inventory # 9781857028867
Book Description Condition: New. Book is in NEW condition. 0.45. Seller Inventory # 1857028864-2-1
Book Description Condition: New. New! This book is in the same immaculate condition as when it was published 0.45. Seller Inventory # 353-1857028864-new
Book Description Paperback. Condition: New. BRAND NEW ** SUPER FAST SHIPPING FROM UK WAREHOUSE ** 30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. Seller Inventory # 9781857028867-GDR
Book Description Paperback / softback. Condition: New. New copy - Usually dispatched within 4 working days. From the two-time Man Booker winner, the story of the 18th Century Irish giant, Charles O'Brien. Seller Inventory # B9781857028867
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Brand New. 224 pages. In Stock. Seller Inventory # __1857028864
Book Description Condition: New. In. Seller Inventory # ria9781857028867_new