John Crowley Knihy

Představte si náš svět jako kruh, na jehož obvodu se vyskytuje mnoho cest - říkejme jim dveře -, jimiž můžeme vstoupit do dalšího menšího, uvnitř však většího kruhu jiného světa. Jeho obyvatelé jsou velcí asi jako malý pták nebo plamen svíčky. Tak je nejčastěji spatřujeme, protože většina lidí překročí pouze první obvod, pokud vůbec. Další hranice je menší a je v ní proto méně dveří; je také méně pravděpodobné, že jimi někdo náhodně projde. Obyvatelé dalšího kruhu by vypadali jako vílí děti nebo skřítci, které spatřujeme méně často. A tak to jde dál, velké vnitřní kruhy, v nichž obyvatelé dorůstají plné velikosti, jsou tak malé, že je dennodenně překračujeme, aniž bychom o tom věděli, proto máme tolik pověstí o skutcích tam učiněných. A konečně největší kruh, nekonečno, střed - Férie, dámy a pánové, kde hrdinové jezdí přes nekonečné pláně, plaví se po oceánech a nic tam není nemožné - ten je tak malý, že ani žádné dveře nemá. Pokusme se Férii navštívit alespoň na stránkách literárně mimořádného románu, jenž posouvá žánr fantasy do netušených výšin.

And Go Like This collects thirteen stories from a master of all trades. Reading John Crowley’s stories is to see almost-familiar lives running parallel to our own, secret histories that never quite happened, memories that might be real or might be invented. In the thirteen stories collected here, Crowley sets his imagination free to roam from a 20th century Shakespeare festival to spring break at a future Yale in his Edgar Award winning story “Spring Break”. And in the previously unpublished “Anosognosia” the world brought about by one John C.’s high-school accident may or may not exist.

Set in the 1940s, the story unfolds in Oklahoma, where a massive airplane factory emerges amid World War II. Women, seeking independence beyond traditional roles, flock to this new workplace. Vi escapes a failing ranch, Connie pursues freedom from an unfaithful husband, and Diane seeks a more authentic life. Their paths converge with Prosper Olander, a disabled artist whose presence transforms their lives in unexpected ways, highlighting themes of liberation, resilience, and the search for identity during turbulent times.

Set in a twilight land torn by conflict between the Reds and the Blacks, the story unfolds as an enigmatic Visitor arrives from the sky, altering the course of an age-old struggle filled with murder and betrayal. Discovered by two women who care for the fallen, the Visitor's presence signals a significant shift in the brutal dynamics of power and fate, promising to reshape the dark and bloody narrative that has long defined this world.

As the world faces its end, each soul experiences it uniquely, with the transition unfolding gradually like shivers across a horse's skin. In this narrative, everyday concerns—children, love, work, and friendship—begin to intertwine with the extraordinary, revealing the forces that truly govern lives. Pierce Moffett, an aspiring historian, relocates from New York to the Faraway Hills, where he uncovers a path to magic that connects past and present. Rosie Rasmussen, a single mother, navigates her mysterious uncle's legacy while dealing with her daughter Samantha's strange seizures. Meanwhile, Pierce's lover, Rose Ryder, finds herself drawn into a cult that promises to confront her inner demons. As a great cycle of time concludes, echoes of Renaissance figures like John Dee and Giordano Bruno resurface, their stories intertwining with the lives in the Faraway Hills and hinting at future possibilities. Set during the dark season between Halloween and the winter solstice, the boundary between the living and the dead blurs. Pierce, Rosie, Samantha, Rose, and their hidden allies and adversaries must choose sides in an ancient conflict that approaches its climactic confrontation.

This collection features a diverse array of speculative fiction from 1989, showcasing both established and emerging voices in the genre. The contents include a mix of novellas, novelettes, and short stories, each offering unique narratives and imaginative worlds. Notable contributions include Judith Moffett's "Tiny Tango," a thought-provoking novella, and Mike Resnick's "For I Have Touched the Sky," which continues the Kirinyaga series. Gregory Benford's "Alphas" and Connie Willis's "At the Rialto" present engaging explorations of human experience and societal themes. The anthology also includes works by Kathe Koja, Steven Popkes, and Robert Silverberg, each adding depth and variety to the collection. From William King's "Visiting the Dead" to Bruce Sterling's "Dori Bangs," the stories reflect a range of styles and subjects. Lucius Shepard's "The Ends of the Earth" and Nancy Kress's "The Price of Oranges" further exemplify the creativity of the time. Additional highlights include S. P. Somtow's "Lottery Night," Alexander Jablokov's "A Deeper Sea," and Megan Lindholm's "Silver Lady and the Fortyish Man." The collection concludes with Gardner Dozois's insightful essay summarizing the year's contributions to the genre, alongside honorable mentions that acknowledge other noteworthy works. This anthology serves as a testament to the richness and diversity of speculative fiction during this period.

Featuring four unpublished novellas, this collection showcases exceptional storytelling through diverse narratives. Each piece explores unique themes and characters, offering readers a rich tapestry of emotions and insights. From the enchanting "Why the Nightingale Sings at Night" to the thought-provoking "Great Work of Time" and the evocative "In Blue and Novelty," these novellas promise to captivate and engage, making this collection a must-read for fans of literary fiction.

Casper Last, an impoverished genius, uses his time machine in an attempt to preserve the reign of the British Empire for the Otherhood

From the secret places of the soul to sorcerous lands, this collection invites readers to explore fantasy worlds crafted by masters of the genre. It features original stories from renowned authors such as C. J. Cherryh, M. John Harrison, Michael Moorcock, and Evangeline Walton, alongside an unpublished tale from Austin Tappan Wright, author of the utopian classic Islandia. Journey through realms of twilight and enchantment that lie just beyond the everyday world. The anthology includes 30 short stories, poems, and illustrations, showcasing the best of fantasy literature. Highlights include "The Green Child" by John Crowley, "Pooka's Bridge" by Gillian Fitzgerald, and "The Judgement of St. Yves" by Evangeline Walton. Notable poems feature "The Hosting of the Sidhe" by W. B. Yeats and "A Spell for Sleeping" by Alastair Reid. Additional contributions include works by Gabriel García Márquez, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Ellen Kushner, among others. Readers will encounter a diverse array of narratives, from ghost stories to dragon tales, each offering a unique glimpse into fantastical realms. The collection is enriched by essays and contributors' notes, providing context and insight into the stories and their authors. Immerse yourself in this captivating exploration of fantasy literature.