Fragile Things: Short Fictions and Wonders

“A prodigiously imaginative collection.”

—New York Times Book Review, Editor’s Choice

“Dazzling tales from a master of the fantastic.”
—Washington Post Book World

Fragile Things is a sterling collection of exceptional tales from Neil Gaiman, multiple award-winning (the Hugo, Bram Stoker, Newberry, and Eisner Awards, to name just a few), #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Graveyard Book, Anansi Boys, Coraline, and the groundbreaking Sandman graphic novel series. A uniquely imaginative creator of wonders whose unique storytelling genius has been acclaimed by a host of literary luminaries from Norman Mailer to Stephen King, Gaiman’s astonishing powers are on glorious displays in Fragile Things. Enter and be amazed!

A mysterious circus terrifies an audience for one extraordinary performance before disappearing into the night, taking one of the spectators along with it . . .

In a novella set two years after the events of American Gods, Shadow pays a visit to an ancient Scottish mansion, and finds himself trapped in a game of murder and monsters . . .

In a Hugo Award-winning short story set in a strangely altered Victorian England, the great detective Sherlock Holmes must solve a most unsettling royal murder . . .

Two teenage boys crash a party and meet the girls of their dreams—and nightmares . . .

In a Locus Award-winning tale, the members of an excusive epicurean club lament that they've eaten everything that can be eaten, with the exception of a legendary, rare, and exceedingly dangerous Egyptian bird . . .

Such marvelous creations and more—including a short story set in the world of The Matrix, and others set in the worlds of gothic fiction and children's fiction—can be found in this extraordinary collection, which showcases Gaiman's storytelling brilliance as well as his terrifyingly entertaining dark sense of humor. By turns delightful, disturbing, and diverting, Fragile Things is a gift of literary enchantment from one of the most unique writers of our time.

“Lush prose...and a winning faith in the enchantment of stories. Expect the unexpected. Then savor the chills.” - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“One delight after another.” - Booklist (starred review)

“Strange, or sweet, or eerie, or heartfelt stories . . . wonderfully peculiar . . . Gaiman relishes the sacred act of telling stories.” - Entertainment Weekly

“FRAGILE THINGS is a delightful compendium...[Gaiman] is indeed a national treasure.” - Washington Post Book World

“Charming, at times creepy, and good fun. . . . Well-worth adding to any collection; highly recommended.” - Library Journal

“Dazzling tales from a master of the fantastic.” - Washington Post Book World

“Those with a taste for inventive idiosyncracy will find themselves fully rewarded.” - San Francisco Chronicle Book Review

“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

“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

“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, Editor's Choice

“A prodigiously imaginative collection...The best of these clever fantasy metafictions explore the mysteries of artistic inspiration.” - New York Times Book Review

“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

“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