The World from Rough Stones

The unforgettable first novel in the classic Stevenson Family Saga from epic master Malcolm Macdonald

John Stevenson is a just a foreman when a near-fatal accident bring young Nora Telling into his life. Her nimbleness of mind and his power of command enable them to take over the working mill and rescue it from catastrophe. Together with their friends the Thorntons—who are troubled by a marriage mismatched in passion—they are willing to risk any dare, commit themselves to any act of cunning on their climb from rags to riches.

The first novel in the classic Stevenson Family Saga, The World from Rough Stones is the epic story of two ambitious but poor young people who, at the very start of the Victorian Era, combine their considerable talents to found a dynasty and go on to fame and fortune.

"A monumental saga...rich and tremendous."

—Boston Globe

"A saga of immense power...the most exciting since the Swanns of Delderfield and the Forsytes of Galsworthy!"

—Cincinatti Times

"Zestful research and Macdonald's mastery of the dialects and speech of all classes bring his novel noisily to life from the first to the last page."

—The [London] Times

"A powerful new novel...a successful attempt to blend fiction with authenticity. The story is rich with colourful characters, brawling, boozing, and bedding...leaves the reader waiting impatiently for the next novel in what must be a memorable series."