The Wool-Pack

Compelling historical thriller, winner of the Carnegie Medal

A compelling 15th century thriller, set against the background of the Cotswold wool trade. Rich with period detail, the story of Nicholas Fetterlock's apprenticeship in his father's business and his political betrothal to the daughter of a linen merchant is nonetheless immensely accessible to twenty-first century children.

As his father embarks on a deal with Italian Lombards, Nicholas, Cecily and their friend Hal unearth a sabotage plot of smuggling and piracy that will have repurcussions all over Europe. But can they find someone to believe their tale before it is too late?

Reviews

“Harnett likes human beings, warts and all; she is, above all, at home with childhood, its frankness and playfulness and exuberance and vulnerability. And she sees it, like the past, as another country. In 1953, aged 12, all I knew was that it was thrilling to read a story about smuggling and skulduggery. First and foremost, Harnett knew how to tell a story. “ Kevin Crossley-Holland, ‘Books to Remember’ in The Guardian, Feb 2001

About the author

Cynthia Hartnett was an English author and illustrator, best known for her six historical novels set in 15th, 16th and 17th century England. She was awarded the Carnegie Medal, awarded for the best children’s book that year, in 1951 for The Wool-Pack, and was shortlisted again in 1959. Harnett died in 1981.