de Neil Gaiman
"A prodigiously imaginative collection."
—New York Times Book Review, Editor's Choice
"Dazzling tales from a master of the fantastic."
—Washington Post Book World
Fragile Things is a sterling collection of exceptional tales from Neil Gaiman, multiple award-winning (the Hugo, Bram Stoker, Newberry, and Eisner Awards, to name just a few), #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Graveyard Book, Anansi Boys, Coraline, and the groundbreaking Sandman graphic novel series. A uniquely imaginative creator of wonders whose unique storytelling genius has been acclaimed by a host of literary luminaries from Norman Mailer to Stephen King, Gaiman's astonishing powers are on glorious displays in Fragile Things. Enter and be amazed!
"A prodigiously imaginative collection."
—New York Times Book Review, Editor's Choice
"Dazzling tales from a master of the fantastic."
—Washington Post Book World
Fragile Things is a sterling collection of exceptional tales from Neil Gaiman, multiple award-winning (the Hugo, Bram Stoker, Newberry, and Eisner Awards, to name just a few), #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Graveyard Book, Anansi Boys, Coraline, and the groundbreaking Sandman graphic novel series. A uniquely imaginative creator of wonders whose unique storytelling genius has been acclaimed by a host of literary luminaries from Norman Mailer to Stephen King, Gaiman's astonishing powers are on glorious displays in Fragile Things. Enter and be amazed!
Critiques-
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October 1, 2006
The 30 short stories and poems in this collection vary widely in theme and tone, from the dark, recursive "Other People" to the witty, R.A. Laffertyesque "Sunbird." Aside from one new tale, "How to Talk to Girls at Parties," all material has been previously published. Gaiman performs admirably as narrator for the most part, changing his style from story to story to better suit the tone of each. However, in the more experimental pieces in the collection, this practice backfires and may leave listeners reaching for the fast-forward button. The poems often work on paper, but when read aloud many feel like disjointed, nonsensical stories. Gaiman is at his best when narrating his more traditional tales, such as the sly and inventive Sherlock Holmes/H.P. Lovecraft pastiche "A Study in Emerald," and the noirish "Keepsakes and Treasures." There are enough terrific stories in the book to make it a must-have for Gaiman fans, but dedicated readers may want to choose the hardcopy edition instead, so as to more easily skip the dross. Simultaneous release with the William Morrow hardcover (Reviews, July 17). -
July 17, 2006
Hot off the critical success of Anansi Boys
, Gaiman offers this largely disappointing medley that feels like a collection of idea seeds that have yet to mature. Among the ground covered: an old woman eats her cat alive, slowly; two teenage boys fumble through a house party attended by preternaturally attractive aliens; a raven convinces a writer attempting realism to give way to fantastical inclinations. A few poems, heartfelt or playfully musical, pockmark the collection. At his best, Gaiman has a deft touch for surprise and inventiveness, and there are inspired moments, including one story that brings the months of the year to life and imagines them having a board meeting. (September is an "elegant creature of mock solicitude," while April is sensitive but cruel; they don't get along), but most of these stories rely too heavily on the stock-in-trade of horror, sci-fi and fantasy. Gaiman only once or twice gives himself the space necessary to lock the reader's attention.150,000 announced first printing. -
Washington Post Book World
"Dazzling tales from a master of the fantastic." — Washington Post Book World
"The tales of Fragile Things are nibbles and bits of Gaiman's immensely satisfying inner landscape. They are fiercely playful and very grim, wisps of whimsy and wonder buoyed by the happy heart of a tragic poet." — USA Today
"Neil Gaiman at his unique best is terrific . . . compelling and dreamy . . . Readers will be reminded most in these stories of that master craftsman yet to be superseded, Ray Bradbury." — Baltimore Sun
"Think of it as a month with Scheharazade . . . No Gaiman fan can be without [Fragile Things] . . . If you've never encountered Gaiman's unique voice before, this volume is an excellent introduction, with easily digestible stories that can be devoured in one sitting. Still, you may find yourself gorging at this narrative feast, not stopping until you've read two or three or even half a dozen at a time." — St. Louis Post-Dispatch
"Charming, at times creepy, and good fun. . . . Well-worth adding to any collection; highly recommended." — Library Journal
"A prodigiously imaginative collection . . . The best of these clever fantasy metafictions explore the mysteries of artistic inspiration." — New York Times Book Review, Editor's Choice
"Strange, or sweet, or eerie, or heartfelt stories . . . wonderfully peculiar . . . Gaiman relishes the sacred act of telling stories." — Entertainment Weekly
"A powerful and oddly unified collection, a perfect introduction to Gaiman's work for new readers and a thrilling reminder to his long-time fans . . . [T]he shorter prose form allows Gaiman a greater freedom of whimsy and provocation than even his graphic work, with stunning results." — Toronto Star
"Those with a taste for inventive idiosyncracy will find themselves fully rewarded." — San Francisco Chronicle Book Review
"One delight after another." — Booklist (starred review)
"Lush prose...and a winning faith in the enchantment of stories. Expect the unexpected. Then savor the chills." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"FRAGILE THINGS is a delightful compendium...[Gaiman] is indeed a national treasure." — Washington Post Book World
"Fiercely playful and very grim, wisps of whimsy and wonder buoyed by the happy heart of a tragic poet." — USA Today
"Readers will be reminded most in these stories of that master craftsman...Ray Bradbury...Gothic tales of high caliber." — Baltimore Sun
"A prodigiously imaginative collection...The best of these clever fantasy metafictions explore the mysteries of artistic inspiration." — New York Times Book Review
