 First edition | |
| Author | Madeleine St John |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Literary |
| Publisher | Fourth Estate, London |
Publication date | 1997 |
| Media type | Print Paperback |
| Pages | 234 pp |
| ISBN | 1857024184 |
| Preceded by | A Pure Clear Light |
| Followed by | A Stairway to Paradise |
The Essence of the Thing (1997) is a novel by Australian author Madeleine St John. It was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 1997.