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The Ebony Tower

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The Ebony Tower
First edition (UK)
AuthorJohn Fowles
Cover artistPisanello, fragment of fresco in Ducal Palace, Mantua[1]
LanguageEnglish
PublisherJonathan Cape (UK)
Little Brown (US)
Publication date
1974
Publication placeUnited Kingdom
Media typePrint
Pages192
ISBN0-224-01045-X

The Ebony Tower (1974) by John Fowles is a collection of five novellas and short stories with interlacing themes: The Ebony Tower, Eliduc, Poor Koko, The Enigma and The Cloud.

Plot synopses

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The Ebony Tower

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Henry Breasley is an elderly painter whose secluded retirement is invaded by a brash young artist commissioned to write a biographical study of the great man. Breasley shares his home with two young English girls, both former art students, Diana and Anne. In this strange ménage, David is left in no doubt about his host's views on modern abstract art. However, he is puzzled by the old man's relationship with the girls, especially when he himself is attracted to Diana.

Eliduc

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Eliduc, the shortest tale in the book, is a translation of a Breton lai by Marie de France, in which a hero goes into exile in England, leaving his wife behind. While in exile, he falls for the daughter of a local king. The story is deliberately placed after The Ebony Tower as a clear parallel of and influence on the title story.[citation needed]

Poor Koko

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An elderly writer has borrowed a country cottage from friends in London. On the first night of his stay, the house is burgled. Poor Koko tells of his encounter with the burglar.

The Enigma

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John Fielding, British Member of Parliament, disappears without trace. Was foul play involved, or did he fake his own disappearance? The case presents few clues for the police officer in charge.

The Cloud

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A seemingly idyllic picnic in the south of France for a group of English family and friends hides deeper, troubled undercurrents.

Television adaptations

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The Ebony Tower (1984)

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The Ebony Tower
Based onThe Ebony Tower
by John Fowles
Screenplay byJohn Mortimer
Directed byRobert Knights
StarringLaurence Olivier
Roger Rees
Greta Scacchi
Original languageEnglish
Production
Running time80 min
Original release
Release1984 (1984)

The Ebony Tower is a 1984 television film adaptation of the novelette by John Fowles. Directed by Robert Knights it stars Laurence Olivier in the role of the elderly painter.

Cast
Trivia
DVD and VHS

The film was released on VHS during the 1990s. It has been released on DVD format and is included on the Laurence Olivier Presents Collection and The Laurence Olivier Centenary Collection.

The Enigma (1980)

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The Ebony Tower
Also known asThe Enigma
Based onThe Enigma
by John Fowles
Written byMalcolm Bradbury
Directed byRobert Knights
Original languageEnglish
Original release
Release1980 (1980)

The Enigma is a 1980 television adaptation of the novelette by John Fowles, produced as part of BBC2's playhouse series. It was also directed by Robert Knights.

Cast

References

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