"Beautifully evocative language, social conscience, a clear sense of history, romantic longing, intelligence, despair. This is, very possibly, greatness." The Boston Globe

A novella and thirteen short stories of brilliant diversity, from a master of literary fantasy.

Step into a London ravaged by unearthly creatures at once utterly alien and chillingly familiar. In China Mieville's award-winning novella The Tain, we learn the reason for the invaders' terrible revenge. One survivor must trek through the ruins of the city with a desperate plan to stand against their assault.

In addition to The Tain, this superb collection contains thirteen short stories, of visionary cityscapes and urban paranoia, ghosts, monsters and impossible diseases. Several of the stories are published here for the first time: these include one set in New Crobuzon, the location of the award-winning series of novels that began with Perdido Street Station; and one in comic-strip form, illustrated by top graphic artist Liam Sharp. This collection displays the sheer imaginative scope of China Mieville's work.

PRAISE FOR CHINA MIEVILLE

"[Mieville s] wit dazzles, his humour is lively, and the pure vitality of his imagination is astonishing." Ursula K. Le Guin, The Guardian (on Three Moments of an Explosion)

"Dark and thought-provoking." The San Diego Union-Tribune (on The City & The City)

"Richly conceived." The New York Times Book Review (on Embassytown)

"Mieville more than delivers." San Francisco Chronicle (on Kraken)

"Compulsively readable." The Washington Post Book World (on Perdido Street Station)