Fragile Things

Includes the Story “How to Talk to Girls at Parties” - Now a Major Motion Picture Starring Nicole Kidman

A24 Film Directed by John Cameron Mitchell also Stars Elle Fanning and Ruth Wilson

“A prodigiously imaginative collection. . . . The best of these clever fantasy metafictions explores the mysteries of artistic inspiration.”—New York Times Book Review, Editor's Choice

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

A mysterious circus terrifies an audience for one extraordinary performance before disappearing into the night . . .

In a Hugo Award–winning story, a great detective must solve a most unsettling royal murder in a strangely altered Victorian England . . .

These marvelous creations and more showcase the unparalleled invention and storytelling brilliance—and the terrifyingly dark and entertaining wit—of the incomparable Neil Gaiman. By turns delightful, disturbing, and diverting, Fragile Things is a gift of literary enchantment from one of the most original writers of our time.

Neil Gaiman is the New York Times bestselling and multi-award winning author and creator of many beloved books, graphic novels, short stories, film, television and theatre for all ages. He is the recipient of the Newbery and Carnegie Medals, and many Hugo, Nebula, World Fantasy, and Will Eisner Awards. Neil has adapted many of his works to television series, including Good Omens (co-written with Terry Pratchett) and The Sandman. He is a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR and Professor in the Arts at Bard College. For a lot more about his work, please visit: https://www.neilgaiman.com/

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

“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

“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 Readers will be reminded most in these stories of that master craftsman yet to be superseded, Ray Bradbury.”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

“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

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

“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

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

“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

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

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

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

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

“Fiercely playful and very grim, wisps of whimsy and wonder buoyed by the happy heart of a tragic poet.” — USA Today

“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

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