An extraordinary work of fiction, from one of the world's most exceptional writers.

A journalist visits an elderly painter and becomes intrigued by his young female companions. Four years' worth of book research is set on fire in front of a writer. A successful MP disappears without a trace.

Written with stylistic innovation, this sequence of novellas exploring the nature of art echoes the themes and preoccupations of Fowles' earlier work and cements his position as a master storyteller.

'Pick up any of these stories and you won't, as they say, be able to put it down' Financial Times

A collection of novellas which are perfect examples of Fowles' rich, dazzling, masterly style

About the Author
John Fowles won international recognition with The Collector, his first published title, in 1963. He was immediately acclaimed as an outstandingly innovative writer of exceptional imaginative power. This reputation was confirmed with the appearance of his subsequent works including The Aristos, The Magus, The French Lieutenant's Woman, The Ebony Tower, Daniel Martin, Mantissa and A Maggot. John Fowles died in 2005.

Reviews
This is an immensely stimulating book, rich in imagery, sure in dialogue, profound in characterization, dazzling in its descriptive powers and constantly haunting with its Celtic rhythms and its bold, elegant design * The Times *
This collection of five novellas confirms that in terms of technical resourcefulness and narrative skill he has few equals among the living novelists. The novella which gives the book its title strikes me as being the finest thing Fowles has written * Observer *
In a manner worthy of Pirandello, John Fowles uses the conventional apparatus of the detective-story to explore the relationship between fact and fiction, reality and illusion, to masterly effect * Sunday Telegraph *
Arresting...this collection impresses me as deeply as any of the novels which Fowles has published to date * Guardian *
Pick up any of these stories and you won't, as they say, be able to put it down * Financial Times *



Book Information
ISBN 9780099480518
Author John Fowles
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Vintage Classics
Publisher Vintage Publishing
Weight(grams) 215g
Dimensions(mm) 197mm * 130mm * 18mm