Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
“Mr Segundis wished to know, […], why modern magicians were unable to work the magic they wrote about. In short, he wished to know, why was there no more magic done in England”.
Ah, but magic was done in England. It was done by two men, Mr. Norrell and Jonathan Strange. Reclusive and bookish Mr. Norrell was content to practice in obscurity until an amazing feat of magical prowess catapults him into celebrity overnight. Daring and innovative, Jonathan Strange soon outstrips his teacher Mr. Norrell gaining fame by performing wild and perilous magic against the armies of France in the service of the Duke of Wellington.
For magic is indeed returning to England, whether such a thing will be good or ill remains to be seen.