The Philosopher's Pupil

Dec 5, 2025 10:54 AM

Author:Iris Murdoch

In the English town of Ennistone, hot springs bubble up from deep beneath the earth. In these healing waters the townspeople seek health and regeneration, rightousness and ritual cleansing.

To this town steeped in ancient lore and subterranean inspiration the Philosopher returns. He exerts an almost magical influence over a host of Ennistonians, and especially over George McCaffrey, the Philosopher's old pupil, a demonic man desperate for redemption.

Reviews

Marvellous.. Compulsive reading, hugely funny

—— Spectator

We are back, of course, with great delight, in the land of Iris Murdoch, which is like no other but Prospero's

—— Sunday Telegraph

The most daring and original of all her novels

—— A. N. Wilson

Never for a moment does one want to stop reading... I don't think Iris Murdoch has ever written better prose

—— Daily Telegraph

Ambitious, unique and ingeniously plotted

—— Joyce Carol Oates , New York Times

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