Recounts the quest of the last unicorn, who leaves the protection of the enchanted forest to search for her own kind, and who is joined by Schmedrick the Magician and Molly Grue in her search.

"This classic ghost story from the author of The Last Unicorn follows Jonathan who's been living in a cemetery with a raven as his only friend amongst the newly dead until he discovers a pair of ghostly lovers bearing an extraordinary gift-the final chance for his own happiness"--

"An epic fantasy series-now available as one volume-that follows three women of legendary skill on a quest to save the world's most powerful wizard and the innkeeper's assistant whose heartbreak will bear witness from the author of the bestselling The Last Unicorn. On a night like any other, three mysterious women arrive to an inn separately, one with a fox that is more than it seems. Karsh, the innkeeper, has no choice but to let the tangled drama unfold beneath his roof. His stable boy, Rosseth, is so mesmerized by the three cloaked women, a warrior nun, a fabled adventurer, and a girl who was saved from drowning, that he soon uncovers a deep secret that was better off remaining hidden. And then there is Tikat, overwhelmed by tragedy, who continues his journey to the inn, refusing to let death bring an end his love. Told in alternating points of view, fantasy master Peter S. Beagle has crafted an unforgettable novel of heartbreak and hope"--

Winner of the Hugo and Nebula Awards for "Two Hearts" Winner of the Washington Science Fiction Small Press Award for "El Regalo" Nominee for the Mythopoeic Award The beloved author of The Last Unicorn returns with the signature elegance and originality that has earned him comparisons to J. R. R. Tolkien, Fritz Leiber, and Kurt Vonnegut. Readers seeking magic, wonder, and mystery need look no further. In these resonant new stories, some appearing for the first time, you will find bold adventure, sly humor, and resounding depth. In the thrilling and beautiful "Two Hearts," return to the extraordinary world of The Last Unicorn . Observe the World's Most Annoying Eight-Year-Old bend time, fate, and household chores to his sorcerous will. Learn how Soukyan met the Fox, and why a stolen dream might be more dangerous than an unstoppable assassin. Discover the price of a merman's treasure, match wits with the man who saw right through Sherlock Holmes, and redefine feline style with Gordon, the self-made cat. The Line Between is a captivating blend of traditional and contemporary fantasy, crafted by the field's most remarkable imagination. It is a collection you will return to again and again and treasure forever.

This collection of stories, set in the same universe as The Innkeeper's Song, deals with such themes as a fish who helps a maiden escape from an arranged marriage to the king, a boy who has unusually tall family members, and a magician who must teach a wicked queen all he knows. The stories range from adventurous to introspective, humorous to suspenseful, but all share Beagle's gift for language and his ability to bring his characters to life. Reprint.

Featuring the Locus Award?winning novelette, ?By Moonlight” The extraordinary stories in this new contemporary fantasy collection show a mature, darker side of the author of The Last Unicorn in modern parables of love, death, and transformation shadowed lightly with melancholy. The Angel of Death enjoys newfound celebrity while moonlighting as an anchorman on the network news; King Pelles the Sure, the shortsighted ruler of a gentle realm, betrays himself in dreaming of a ?manageable war”; an American librarian discovers that, much to his surprise and sadness, he is also the last living Frenchman; and rivals in a supernatural battle forgo pistols at dawn, choosing instead to duel with dramatic recitations of terrible poetry. Featuring previously unpublished stories alongside recently published classics, this is a lovely, haunting, and wholly satisfying read.

WORLD FANTASY AWARD FINALIST LOCUS AWARD FINALIST The essential first volume of bestselling author Peter S. Beagle's (The Last Unicorn) short stories demonstrates why he is one of America's most influential fantasists. With his celebrated versatility, humor, and grace, Beagle is at home in a dazzling variety of subgenres. Evoking comparison to such iconic authors as Twain, Tolkien, Carroll, L'Engle, and Vonnegut, this career retrospective celebrates Beagle's mastery of the short-story form. [STARRED REVIEW] "Brimming with magic, lyrical prose, and deeply felt emotion, this is, indeed, essential reading." --Kirkus An unlikely friendship based on philosophy develops between an aging academic and a mythological beast. A mysterious, beautiful attendee who attends a ball thrown in her honor chooses whether or not to become mortal. A dysfunctional relationship is not improved by the consequences of lycanthropy. One very brave young mouse questions his identity and redefines feline wiles. From heartbreaking to humorous, these carefully curated stories by Peter S. Beagle show the depth and power of his incomparable prose and storytelling. Featuring an original introduction from Jane Yolen ( Owl Moon ) and gorgeous illustrations from Stephanie Pui-Mun Law ( Shadowscapes ), this elegant collection is a must-have for any fan of classic fantasy.

Presents a collection of imagninative fantasy tales including a battle between an author and a dragon, a story featuring the children of a Shark God, and a bereaved women who sacrifices herself to change one terrible moment.

"Claudio Bianchi has lived alone for many years on a hillside in Southern Italy's scenic Calabria. Set in his ways and suspicious of outsiders, Claudio has always resisted change, preferring farming and writing poetry. But one chilly morning, as though from a dream, an impossible visitor appears at the farm. When Claudio comes to her aid, an act of kindness throws his world into chaos. Suddenly he must stave off inquisitive onlookers, invasive media, and even more sinister influences" -- provided by publisher.