The Cabinet of Curiosities [Paperback]

`This gripping and dramatic story is well-placed to conquer any prejudice that teenage readers might have against historical novels . . . a powerful and compelling story'
--School Librarian

`I wasn't disappointed. This is not your usual historical novel - it is quite unusual, exciting at points and I really enjoyed it'
--Teen Titles magazine

`A gripping read which I thoroughly recommend' --First News

`This is one of the most enjoyable, breathtaking, historical books I have read and gives a real feel for the time period in which it is set. I recommend this book for teenagers and adults.'
--South Wales Argus

'A gripping read which I thoroughly recommend' --First News

'This is one of the most enjoyable, breathtaking, historical books I have read and gives a real feel for the time period in which it is set. I recommend this book for teenagers and adults.' --South Wales Argus

`A tremendously exciting tale'
--The School Librarian

Praise for Auslander: 'Dowswell is one of the best new writers of historical fiction for children ... [Auslander] steps outside the victim culture of novels such as those by Morris Gleitzman and comes close to classics such as The Silver Sword' The Times 'This gripping and dramatic story is well-placed to conquer any prejudice that teenage readers might have against historical novels ... a powerful and compelling story' School Librarian Praise for The Cabinet of Curiosities: 'This is one of the most enjoyable, breathtaking, historical books I have read and gives a real feel for the time period in which it is set. I recommend this book for teenagers and adults' South Wales Argus 'A gripping read which I thoroughly recommend' First News

When Lukas Declercq is orphaned, his uncle summons him to Prague, a refuge for Europe's greatest alchemists and natural philosophers, offering to take him on as an apprentice. Uncle Anselmus is court physician to Rudolph II, the reclusive and unstable Emperor. He is also curator of Rudolph's bizarre Cabinet of Curiosities, a series of vast rooms stuffed with wonders and scientific marvels such as a nail from Noah's Ark, phoenix feathers and monstrous freaks of nature, which fascinate Lukas. As Rudolph retreats further into his fantasy world, the threat of rebellion hangs in the air. Dorantes, a diplomat from Spain, comes with his daughter, Celestina, on a mission from Philip II to persuade Rudolph to give up his heretical ways. But he discovers the court is full of diplomats who have been waiting months or years for an audience with the Emperor. Dorantes notices how some had wormed their way into the Emperor's favour by presenting him with fantastic gifts for his Cabinet, and sets about creating a device that he says will stop time. But it works only in the presence of the Emperor. Lukas knows the terrible truth behind Dorantes's mission. But sinister forces have plans for Lukas too, and before he can thwart the plot against the Emperor, Lukas must gamble on Celestina's loyalty in order to save his own life.

A former senior editor with Usborne Publishing, Paul Dowswell is now a full-time author. He has written many non-fiction titles, two of which were shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award. Auslander, his latest novel has been shortlisted for the Booktrust Teenage Prize 2009 and the Red House Children's Book Award 2010, and nominated for the 2010 Carnegie Award. Paul lives in Wolverhampton with his family.