Description
Book SynopsisA new edition of the Fantasy Tales that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien and H.P. Lovecraft A pioneer in the realm of imaginative literature, Lord Dunsany has gained a cult following for his influence on modern fantasy literature, including such authors as J.R.R. Tolkien and H. P. Lovecraft. This unique collection of short stories ranges over five decades of work. Liberal selections of earlier tales—including the entire
Gods of Pegana as well as such notable works as Idle Days of the Yann and The Fortress Unvanquishable, Save for Sacnoth—are followed by memorable later tales, including several about the garrulous traveler Joseph Jorkens and the outrageous murder tale The Two Bottles of Relish. Throughout, the stories are united by Dunsany's cosmic vision, his impeccable and mellifluous prose, and his distinctively Irish sense of whimsy.
Here published for the first time by Penguin Classics, this edition is the only annotated version of Dunsan
Trade Review"Dunsany's best stories remain unique: nobody else has ever been able to capture his visions....S.T. Joshi, a biographer of Dunsany and an expert in the Weird, has given us an excellent introduction and notes." —
Ursula K. Le Guin,
Los Angeles Times Book ReviewTable of ContentsIntroduction
Suggestions for Further Reading
A Note on the Text
I. Pegana and Environs
The Gods of Pegana
Time and the Gods
A Legend of the Dawn
In the Land of Time
The Relenting of Sardinac
The Fall of Babbulkund
II. Tales of Wonder
The Sword of Welleran
The Kith of the Elf-Folk
The Ghosts
The Fortress Unvanquishable, Save for Sacnoth
Blagdaross
Idle Days on the Yann
A Shop in Go-by Street
The Avenger of Perdónaris
The Bride of the Man-Horse
III. Prose Poems
Where the Tides Ebb and Flow
The Raft-Builders
The Prayer of the Flowers
The Workman
Charon
Carcassonne
Roses
The City
IV. Fantasy and Reality
The Wonderful Window
The Coronation of Mr. Thomas Shap
The City on Mallington Moor
The Bureau d'Echange de Maux
The Exile's Club
Thirteen at Table
The Last Dream of Bwona Khubla
V. Jorkens
The Tale of the Abu Laheeb
Our Distant Cousins
The Walk to Lingham
The Development of the Rillswood Estate
A Life's Work
VI. Some Late Tales
The Policeman's Prophecy
The Two Bottles of Relish
The Cut
Poseidon
Helping the Fairies
The Romance of His Life
The Pirate of the Round Pond
Explanatory Notes
