The Bellmaker
by Brian Jacques
Illustrated by Allan Curless
Cover Illustration by Chris Baker
336 pages
Copyright 1994
The Bellmaker begins in Southsward, a land far to the south of Mossflower. Rab Streambattle, a sensible otter, has just escaped from Castle Floret. It is there that his King, Gael, and his Queen, Serena, both squirrels, are being held captive by Urgan Nagru, the dreaded foxwolf, and his partner, Silvamord, a vixen, who wears animal hides about her waist.
The Foxwolf is infamous. Many have pondered to themselves, "Is he a fox, or a wolf?" The truth of the matter is that Urgan Nagru is a fox, who long ago found the body of a dead wolf, skinned it, and ever since has worn it's pelt upon his back.
Meanwhile, Dandin and Mariel are roaming Mossflower Wood. During the night, Mariel is awakened by some creature trying to steal her haversack. Mariel promptly snatches away the sack, and reaches inside, for her two stale oatcakes. She quickly throws one of the oatcakes in the thief's direction. With a loud, "Thonk!" the short, black figure of the robber falls over. Mariel and Dandin both jump to the side of the robber and grab him. Astonished to find it is only a young hedgehog, Mariel pities the would-be thief. The hedgehog comes to his senses, and introduces himself as Bowly Pintips. Mariel apologizes. Then she and Dandin listen to the tale of how Bowly Pintips found himself in Mossflower Wood.
From here, the two stories begin to intertwine, becoming yet another fine Brian Jacques tale.
Fan Comments
Rachael Whitney from Arlington, MA wrote:"My favorite BJ book is The Bellmaker. I like it because the plot is unique and because it is another book with Marielas a main character."
Arun Krishnamuti from Calgary, Alberta wrote:
"The Bellmaker because it describes the characters wonderfully and has an intriguing plot."
American Edition
Cover art by Troy Howell.
Books by Brian Jacques
- Redwall (1986)
- Mossflower (1988)
- Mattimeo (1989)
- Seven Strange and Ghostly Tales (1991)
- Mariel of Redwall (1991)
- Salamandastron (1992)
- Martin the Warrior (1993)
- The Bellmaker (1994)
- Outcast of Redwall (1995)
- The Great Redwall Feast (1996)
- The Pearls of Lutra (1996)
- The Long Patrol (1997)
- Marlfox (1998)
- The Legend of Luke (1999)
- Lord Brocktree (2000)
- Taggerung (2001)
- Castaways of the Flying Dutchman (2001)
- A Redwall Winter's Tale (2001)
- Triss (2002)
- Angel's Command (2003)
- Loamhedge (2003)
- Urso Brunov (2003)
- Rakkety Tam (2004)
- High Rhulain (September 20, 2005)
