Myths of Origin (preorder)

(preorder—to be published in February)

Dust jacket illustrations by Galen Dara.

Introduction by Jeff VanderMeer.

Journey through winding labyrinths, vivid dreamscapes, and underwater kingdoms in Myths of Origin, a collection of four short novels from bestselling author Catherynne M. Valente. Since its original paperback publication in 2011, Myths of Origin has become a rare and sought-after collector’s item that showcases Valente’s early long-form work and signature poetic prose.

The Labyrinth follows a woman’s dizzying descent into a maze full of a myriad of strange creatures, including a monkey, an angel, and doors that seek to devour her.

Yume No Hon: The Book of Dreams tells the story of Ayako, an elderly woman living in the mountains of medieval Japan, who dreams herself into mythic vignettes from different cultures and time periods.

In The Grass-Cutting Sword a banished god-turned-mortal sets out to defeat an eight-headed serpent who has eaten seven sisters and holds the eighth captive. 

Under in the Mere takes readers from Camelot to the California coast in a series of character-studies that use the archetypes of the Tarot to reframe the figures of Arthurian Legend.

An omnibus of reimagined Eastern and Western tales, Myths of Origin provides a lush, surreal experience for readers old and new. 

Limited: 500 signed numbered hardcover copies, bound in cloth

Table of Contents:

• Introduction by Jeff VanderMeer
• The Labyrinth
• Yue No Hon: The Book of Dreams
• The Grass-Cutting Sword
• Under in the Mere
• Story Notes