The Bound Man by Ilse Aichinger

Here’s an idea I had a while ago for a series of columns: take two completely unrelated stories that happen Continue reading →

Professor Gottesman and the Indian Rhinoceros by Peter S. Beagle

A charming story is a difficult quality to articulate, as is the definition of ‘magical’ that leaves the reader feeling Continue reading →

The Silver Key by H.P. Lovecraft

This is a pleasant surprise. When I first burned through the Lovecraft canon in my late teens his Dreamlands stuff Continue reading →

26 Monkeys, Also the Abyss by Kij Johnson

Aimee has a circus trick. A bathtub is hoisted ten feet above the stage, 26 monkeys climb into it via Continue reading →

The Magic Chalk by Abe Kobo

One of the first books I remember reading is ‘Harold and the Purple Crayon’ by Crockett Johnson, about a boy Continue reading →