A rich and philosophical novel by Booker Prize-winning author Iris Murdoch, The Book and the Brotherhood explores themes of politics, love, betrayal, and the struggle between idealism and reality. Set in 1980s Oxford, the story follows a group of former university friends—once youthful radicals—who reconvene at a college ball and must confront the choices and compromises that have shaped their adult lives. At the center is David Crimond, a charismatic and unsettling figure whose presence reignites long-suppressed tensions and moral reckoning.
This is the first Penguin Books trade paperback edition (first printing), published in 1989. It features cover illustration by Fred Marcellino, known for his distinctive, artful covers that capture the tone and complexity of literary fiction.
Editorial Reviews
"Another Murdochian, devilishly intricate, richly resonant human comedy... One of Murdoch's finest." —Kirkus Reviews
"Fertile in the arts of language, story and philosophy, Murdoch brilliantly entertains the robust reader." —Publishers Weekly
About the Author
Iris Murdoch (1919–1999) was one of the 20th century’s most influential British novelists and philosophers. Known for weaving complex ethical questions into rich narratives, her work often blends philosophical depth with psychological insight. The Book and the Brotherhood is among her later masterpieces, showcasing her sharp intelligence and emotional acuity.
