From Publishers Weekly
The acclaimed author's latest effort combines the complete texts of two of his previous books--a story collection, Gene Wolfe's Book of Days (1981), and a volume of essays, The Castle of the Otter (1982), both out of print. In addition, there is a wide-ranging selection of letters, speeches, notes and essays on topics from writing to knife-throwing to classical Greek. All the tales in the Book of Days have the grace and wit that Wolfe's readers have come to expect from him. "La Befana" is a subtle, stirring story of Christmas on another world; "Against the Lafayette Escadrille" packs a powerful emotional punch into its brief space. The Castle of the Otter will strike some as self-indulgent, but to Wolfe fans these behind-the-scenes glimpses at the genesis of his masterpiece, The Book of the New Sun , will be gems, particularly "These Are the Jokes," in which New Sun characters tell amusing stories, and the notes on unusual words and names. Wolfe's views on writing, genrefication, critics and himself in many of the previously uncollected pieces will interest any readers serious about the literature of fantasy and science fiction. Though this collection may mystify readers unfamiliar with Wolfe and his branch of fiction, devotees will find much to savor. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
This collection of fiction and nonfiction by one of sf's most luminescent writers includes "Gene Wolfe's Book of Days"--a cycle of 18 stories with holiday themes--and the collection "The Castle of the Otter" as well as speeches, essays, poems, and letters.Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"Here are glamour and magic to stretch the mind and break the heart."--Steven Brust
"A treasure trove....Aficionados will find this a marvelous and fascinating collection, and readers new to Gene Wolfe should find this a welcome place to enter."--Fort Worth Star-Telegram
"Castle of Days is also a flight of yesterday, a twinkle of todays, and a promise of tomorrows. Charming and entertaining from drawbridge to tower-tip."--Roger Zelazny
Review
"Here are glamour and magic to stretch the mind and break the heart."--Steven Brust
"A treasure trove....Aficionados will find this a marvelous and fascinating collection, and readers new to Gene Wolfe should find this a welcome place to enter."--Fort Worth Star-Telegram
"Castle of Days is also a flight of yesterday, a twinkle of todays, and a promise of tomorrows. Charming and entertaining from drawbridge to tower-tip."--Roger Zelazny
Book Description
The Washington Post has called Gene Wolfe "the finest writer the science fiction world has yet produced." This volume joins together two of his rarest and most sought after works--Gene Wolfe's Book of Days and The Castle of the Otter--and add thirty-nine short essays collected here for the first time, to fashion a rich and engrossing architecture of wonder.
About the Author
Gene Wolfe has been called "the finest writer the science fiction world has yet produced" by The Washington Post. A former engineer, he has written numerous books and won a variety of awards for his SF writing.
Castle of Days ANNOTATION
This volume brings together two of Wolfe's most sought-after books, long out of print--Gene Wolfe's Book of Days and The Castle of the Otter--and adds to them 39 essays collected here for the first time.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Tor Books is pleased and proud to present Castle of Days, selected from the entire body of Gene Wolfe's writing over the last three decades. This omnibus contains dozens of essays and stories, including the entire contents of the well-known small press volume The Castle of the Otter (a book about The Book of the New Sun); the complete collection Gene Wolfe's Book of Days; and an extensive selection of previously-uncollected speeches, essays, poems, reviews, and letters that charm, entertain, and show the range and depth of the mind and talent of this most extraordinary writer.
Art & Photography
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