Published by Tachyon Publications.
The signed limited edition of this single volume gathering of two collections is limited to 474 numbered copies, signed by the author and Stephanie Law, the artist.
The book features silver covers, and a black-embossed cover stamp. The limited edition has a sewn, not glued, binding.
The description below is taken from the two-volume trade hardcovers. Again, the limited edition will be one volume.
About Volume One: Lila the Werewolf and Other Stories
“Brimming with magic, lyrical prose, and deeply felt emotion, this is, indeed, essential reading.”
—Kirkus
The essential first volume of bestselling author Peter S. Beagle’s (The Last Unicorn) short stories demonstrates why he 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.
An unlikely friendship based on philosophy develops between an aging academic and a mythological beast. A mysterious, beautiful attendee who attends a ball thrown in her honor chooses whether or not to become mortal. A dysfunctional relationship is not improved by the consequences of lycanthropy. One very brave young mouse questions his identity and redefines feline wiles.
From heartbreaking to humorous, these carefully curated stories by Peter S. Beagle show the depth and power of his incomparable prose and storytelling. Featuring an original introduction from Jane Yolen (Owl Moon) and gorgeous illustrations from Stephanie Law (Shadowscapes), this elegant collection is a must-have for any fan of classic fantasy.
Table of Contents:
- Introduction: “Peter Beagle: Bottling Talent” by Jane Yolen
- “Professor Gottesman and the Indian Rhinoceros”
- “Come Lady Death”
- “Lila the Werewolf”
- “Gordon, the Self-Made Cat”
- Four Fables
- “The Fable of the Moth”
- “The Fable of the Tyrannosaurus Rex”
- “The Fable of the Ostrich”
- “The Fable of the Octopus”
- “El Regalo”
- “Uncle Chaim and Aunt Rifke and the Angel”
- “We Never Talk about My Brother”
- “King Pelles the Sure”
- “The Last and Only; or, Mr. Moscowitz Becomes French”
- “Spook”
- “The Stickball Witch”
- “A Dance for Emilia”
About Volume Two: Oakland Dragon Blues and Other Stories
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
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 beautiful 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 the newly published story, “The Mantichora,” an original introduction from Meg Elison (Find Layla) and gorgeous illustrations from Stephanie Law (Shadowscapes), this elegant collection is a must-have for any fan of classic fantasy.
Table of Contents:
- Introduction: “Eating the Heart of Peter S. Beagle” by Meg Elison
- “Sleight of Hand”
- “Oakland Dragon Blues”
- “The Rock in the Park”
- “The Rabbi’s Hobby”
- “The Way It Works Out and All”
- “The Best Worst Monster”
- “La Lune T’Attend”
- “The Story of Kao Yu”
- “Trinity County, CA: You’ll Want to Come Again and We’ll Be Glad to See You!”
- “Marty and the Messenger”
- “The Mantichora”
- “Mr. McCaslin”
- “The Fifth Season”
- “Tarzan Swings by Barsoom”
- “The Bridge Partner”
- “Vanishing”
- authors_list:
- Peter S. Beagle
- artists_list:
- Stephanie Law