The Alchemist's Apprentice tells the rags-to-riches story of Jack, the blacksmith's boy. Jack's quest leads him on a quixotic set of travels which have a rollicking 'Tom Jones' feel to them. Eventually after both hardship and luxury, Jack finds himself with the enigmatic alchemist, Barnstable, dabbling in alchemy until finally he holds in his hand the precious and long awaited nugget but by that time, of course, it is too late. For the marvels of life cannot be bought.