Showing books by Daniel Mason
This beautiful softcover edition is in near fine condition, with no marks or tears and only minimal shelf wear. The pages are tight, unmarked, and the book is tight, square, and unmarked. The Piano Tuner is a historical novel by Daniel Mason, first published in 2002. Set in the late 19th century, it follows Edgar Drake, a middle-aged piano tuner from London, who is summoned by the British War Office in 1886 to repair a rare Erard grand piano in Burma (now Myanmar). The piano symbolizes the clash between European civilization and the remote world of colonial Burma. Throughout the novel, music bridges cultural divides while highlighting the emotional tensions faced by the characters in a changing world. The Well-tempered Piano serves as a metaphor for the balance between harmony and discord, both in music and life. Known for its beautiful prose, the novel offers a detailed portrayal of Burma during the British colonial period and the symbolic role of music throughout the story. Daniel Mason, a trained physician, combines his interest in history and music to craft a narrative that explores complex emotional and cultural themes. The success of this debut novel established him as a prominent writer.
This first edition is near fine, no marks, pages are tight and unmarked, the book is tight, square, and unmarked. The dust jacket is unmarked, beige cloth boards, and bright gilt lettering on the spine of the book. Published in 2007 A Far Country is a poignant exploration of family, migration, and survival set in a vividly imagined yet unnamed landscape. Drawing from his background as an anthropologist, Mason crafts an authentic portrayal of human resilience and social inequities. The novel follows Isabel, a teenage girl raised in a rural, drought-stricken village. Her world shifts dramatically when her older brother, Isaias, a gifted musician, leaves for the city in search of better opportunities. As her family's struggles worsen, Isabel embarks on a journey to find him in a chaotic, teeming urban sprawl. Rooted in global socioeconomic realities yet detached from any specific location, the story takes on a timeless, allegorical quality. A Far Country followed Daniel Mason’s acclaimed debut novel, The Piano Tuner, further establishing him as a writer of lyrical prose and profound storytelling.
