Fragile Things

Short Fictions and Wonders

by Neil Gaiman

On Sale: 01/25/2022

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Fragile Things

Short Fictions and Wonders

by Neil Gaiman

On Sale: 01/25/2022

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Amazon Indigo

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About the Book

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Neil Gaiman, an astonishing collection of short fiction that stretches the boundaries of imagination, probes the depths of human experience, and reveals how the ordinary and the fantastical are intertwined.

Fragile Things showcases the distinctive storytelling genius that has made Neil Gaiman one of the most admired literary artists of our time. The thirty-two gems of prose and verse in this astonishing collection stretch the imagination and engage the intellect even as they illuminate the vagaries of human experience. Whether he’s conjuring a mysterious traveling circus, exploring the rarefied tastes of an exclusive epicurean club, or visiting a strangely altered Victorian England, Gaiman reveals how the ordinary and the fantastical are transmutable and intertwined.

With breathtaking clarity, Fragile Things illumines Gaiman’s brilliance as well as his terrifyingly entertaining dark sense of humor. By turns delightful, disturbing, and diverting, this volume is a gift of enchantments that will startle the senses and stir the soul.

Critical Praise

“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 Readers will be reminded most in these stories of that master craftsman yet to be superseded, Ray Bradbury.”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