Fabulous Monsters

“Dotted with droll little drawings by the author, Fabulous Monsters invites us to recall the intriguing, often tangential characters that we’ve met in literature and that, in certain cases, have accompanied us on life’s journey. . . . Readers will be glad to have revisited old acquaintances (Queequeg or Job) and shaken hands again with those (Heidi’s grandfather or Long John Silver) they may not know well.’—Meghan Cox Gurdon, Wall Street Journal

“A charming and essential book.”—Greg Garrett, Spectator

“In art and words, a book lover honors the characters he can’t forget.”—New York Times Book Review

“Manguel expounds with thoughtfulness and humor on the lessons learned from some of his favorite literary characters in this insight-rich collection.”—Publishers Weekly

“Bibliophiles cheer anytime Alberto Manguel . . . releases something new. His latest, Fabulous Monsters: Dracula, Alice, Superman, and Other Literary Friends, is yet another occasion for celebration.”—Fine Books & Collections

“It is in lifting these characters, small and large, beyond their original (con)text(s), and suggesting and showing connections over time and other works, . . . that Fabulous Monsters is such an entertaining work. . . . A fascinating reader’s-companion, with considerable food for thought.”—M. A. Orthofer, The Complete Review

“Translator and critic Manguel expounds with thoughtfulness and humor on the lessons learned from some of his favorite literary characters in this insight-rich collection. ‘Fictional characters at their best often seem more alive than our friends of solid flesh,’ he reflects. . . . Manguel’s whimsical illustrations add a charming note to an already winning assemblage.”—Publishers Weekly

“In Fabulous Monsters, Alberto Manguel argues that imaginary characters portray our own lives. Yes, we say, this is how we are, this is what we do to one another, this is true. That, perhaps, is where literature can help most.”—Salman Rushdie