The recently released THE ESSENTIAL PETER S. BEAGLE (Volumes I and II) continues to attract a lot of positive attention as evident by the glowing reviews from Beatrice Toothman for Seattle Book Review, Nonstop Reader (Vol I and II), Katherine Nabity in Simple Tricks & Nonsense, and Smitten for Fiction. Beagle is interviewed on LAPL Blog.

Also available direct from Tachyon: single volume limited in both letter and numbered editions.

If you loved the timelessness of “The Last Unicorn” when you were a child you’re going to adore these more mature, but every bit as whimsical, tales as an adult. Like with most short story collections, if you don’t care for one particular story, the next one might better capture your attention. However, this wasn’t even remotely an issue for me since every story has a surprising depth of character and plot development considering the length of each narrative. Beagle is a master weaver of words, and this is a collection you’ll want to get cozy with.

Seattle Book Review

This is a wonderfully curated collection of 16 pieces, including one previously unpublished, four previously uncollected, and several which were unfamiliar to me. There wasn’t a dud in the entire lot. Mr. Beagle is a superlative writer with a sublime and consummate command of English as well as being a master of written fiction.

Nonstop Reader (Vol I)

Each of the stories contains a short introduction by the author himself. The collection is also enhanced by the intricate chapter headings and line drawings of artist Stephanie Pui-Mun Law, whose art is ethereal and reminiscent of Sulamith Wülfing and calls to mind P. Craig Russel as well, without being the slightest bit derivative of either.

Nonstop Reader (Vol II)

If you are a fan of Peter S. Beagle, this is a nice collection to have for the extras. If the only thing you’ve read is The Last Unicorn, there are many tales in these volumes with as much heart and magic. If you’re asking “Peter who?”, you’re in for a treat.

Simple Tricks & Nonsense

Peter S. Beagle’s short stories are adventurous, lighthearted, mysterious, emotional, and funny. They have interesting themes about free will, discrimination, fear, acceptance, friendship, love, and sacrifice. Quite a few of the stories reminded me of classic stories like The Lion and the Mouse, American Tale, and Charlotte’s Web. I recommend both of these collections to fantasy readers looking for unique short stories.

Smitten for Fiction

What inspired you to collect some of your short fiction into The Essential Peter S. Beagle Volumes 1 & 2?

In all honesty, that was my publisher’s idea. I had no idea how many stories I’d written! Novels take me so long that I’m always amazed to discover how many stories I’ve written in between. There are a lot of other stories, but these are a good sampling.

LAPL Blog