Manchester Museum Book Club: The Conjurer's Bird by Martin Davies

14 Jun 2013

Free event for adults on Tuesday, 25 June 2013 (5.30-6.30pm).

Meet people and discuss books inspired by the museum’s new Nature’s Library gallery. This month’s book is The Conjuror’s Bird by Martin Davies.

In 1774, Captain Cook made his second expedition to the South Pacific, during which the ship's naturalist collected samples of local flora and fauna, including a single thrush-like bird. The specimen was immortalised in a sketch and brought back to England, where it was displayed in naturalist  Joseph Banks’ collection until it suddenly vanished.

Two hundred years later, researcher John Fitzgerald receives an invitation to join in the search for the bird’s remains in order to catalogue the genetic composition of lost species. It soon becomes clear that he has become involved in something more complex and dangerous, revealing details of an enigmatic woman in Banks’ life known only as ‘Miss B’. To solve the mystery, Fitzgerald must uncover her identity, which he believes may be the key to finding the elusive bird.

A gripping mystery, The Conjurer’s Bird tackles the intrigue surrounding the celebrated Joseph Banks and the legendary bird of Ulieta.

Booking

• 0161 275 2648 or museum@manchester.ac.uk

Next meeting

July’s date is Tuesday. 23 July and the book is Call of the Wild by Jack London.