John Gledson's translations are smooth and accomplished. For readers who know Machado, this extension of his English repertory is a gift; for those unfamiliar with this neglected master, A chapter of hats will be a thrilling introduction to his work--Stephen Henighan, TLS 5506 (p. 21).Stories include a rewriting of the tale of Noah's ark, The mirror, A singular occurence, Admiral's night, The fortune-teller, The hidden cause, The diplomat, A famous man, The cane, and one of his last stories, Father against mother, written in 1906.