The essential second volume of bestselling author Peter S. Beagle s (The Last Unicorn) short stories, including one previously unpublished and four uncollected stories, shows again that Beagle is one of America s most influential fantasists. With his celebrated versatility, humor, and grace, Beagle is at home in a dazzling variety of subgenres. Evoking comparison to such iconic authors as Twain, Tolkien, Carroll, L Engle, and Vonnegut, this career retrospective celebrates Beagle s mastery of the short-story form.

Peter S. Beagle is one of my favorite authors.

Patrick Rothfuss, author of The Name of the Wind

[STARRED REVIEW] This two-volume collection is a must-have for all of them. Yes, essential, for whomever you are.

Kirkus

A dilapidated dragon, a frustrated cop, and an unapologetic author square off over a dangerously abandoned narrative. The seemingly perfect addition to a weekly card game hides a dark secret from everyone but her teammate. A deeply respected judge meets his match in Snow Ermine, a gorgeous pickpocket.

From heartbreaking to humorous, these carefully curated stories by Peter S. Beagle show the depth and power of his incomparable prose and storytelling. Featuring a newly published story, The Mantichora, an original introduction from Meg Elison (Find Layla), and gorgeous illustrations from Stephanie Pui-Mun Law (Shadowscapes), this elegant collection is a must-have for any fan of classic fantasy.