Gentleman-Magicians

"They were gentleman-magicians, which is to say they had never harmed any one by magic- nor ever done any one the slightest good. In fact, to own the truth, not one of these magicians had ever cast the smallest spell, nor by magic caused one leaf to tremble upon a tree, made one mote of dust alter its course or changed a single hair upon anyone's head. But, with this one minor reservation, they enjoyed a reputation as some of the wisest and most magical gentleman in Yorkshire."

-Susanna Clarke, Johnathan Strange and Mr Norell

http://www.jonathanstrange.com/