Three books in one volume: Advice and reflections on modern fiction from "one of the greatest creative writing teachers we've ever had" (Frederick Busch).In On Becoming a Novelist, John Gardner advises the aspiring fiction author on such topics as the value of creative writing workshops, the developmental stages of literary growth, and the inevitable experience of writer's block. Drawn from his two decades of experience in creative writing, Gardner balances...

The classic for serious fiction writers: "The book is the result of John Gardner's twenty-odd years of teaching experience, and it shows" (Anne Tyler).In this essential guide, John Gardner advises the aspiring fiction author on such topics as the value of creative writing workshops, the developmental stages of literary growth, and the inevitable experience of writer's block. Drawn from his two decades of experience in creative writing, Gardner balances his compassio...

Gardner's final novel: a delicate tapestry of literary genres that create a wonderfully mysterious and ambitious narrativeAs Peter Mickelsson's brilliant career as a professor at Brown University winds down, he suffers from alcoholism and is on the brink of divorce. Seeking a new start, Mickelsson moves to an old farmhouse in the Pennsylvania countryside to take a position at Bingham University. But when mysterious supernatural events begin to occur, it becomes cle...

The classic work on the art of fiction by the "refreshingly unpredictable" novelist and literary critic ( Publishers Weekly)In this posthumously published collection of his essays and reviews, acclaimed novelist John Gardner discusses the craft of fiction writing, taking to task some of his best-known contemporaries in the process. Gardner criticizes some for writing disingenuous fiction, and commends others who produce literature that acts as a life-affir...

Sixteen James Bond stories from master-storyteller John Gardner.Bundle comprises of: BROKENCLAW; COLD; DEATH IS FOREVER; FOR SPECIAL SERVICES; GOLDENEYE; ICEBREAKER; LICENCE RENEWED; LICENCE TO KILL; THE MAN FROM BARBAROSSA; NEVER SEND FLOWERS; NO DEALS, MR BOND; NOBODY LIVES FOREVER; ROLE OF HONOUR; SCORPIUS; SEAFIRE; WIN, LOSE OR DIE.

The bestselling story of a king's crusade to vanquish the Devil and to defeat the monster in each of usA visiting lecturer is lured to the remote, gothic mansion of an estranged professor and his only son, who is described as a monster. But soon, the visitor enters an enchanting new world when he begins reading the son's hidden manuscript. Part history, part myth, the story conjures a sixteenth-century Sweden in which good and evil clash for the ultimate prize. To ...

A shapeshifter, a stepdaughter, and a prince look for reasons to live in this stunning fable from the New York Times–bestselling author of October Light.In this wonderful fantasy, John Gardner weaves tales within tales to bring a magical world to vivid life. When three travelers on their way to the Suicide Mountains meet an enigmatic man, the Abbot of the Ancient Monastery, they begin a series of wild adventures in which they must confront mystical...

While visiting their grandmother on a mysterious island, siblings Gage and Sandra are thrust into a dangerous adventure. Armed with only an ancient map, a book, and their wits, they must race against the clock to decipher the island's mysteries and save a loved one before it's too late. But the key to unlocking the secrets of Kinson Island lies with an old sea captain who harbors his enigmatic past. As they delve deeper into the island's labyrinth of riddles and puzzles, Gage and Sandra so...

New York Times Bestseller and National Book Award Finalist: In an upstate New York town, a man tries to save a teenage girl—and his own soul.Henry Soames runs a diner in an eccentric rural community in the Catskills. He is anxious and overweight, and at age forty-two, suffers from poor health. When Callie Wells, Soames's seventeen-year-old employee, is impregnated by a local boy on his way to college, it becomes apparent that both are in n...

Four tales of fantasy from a twentieth-century literary master—selected as the 1975 New York Times Outstanding Book for ChildrenJohn Gardner's first children's book takes the traditional fairy tale and turns it on its head. In the title story, a meddlesome dragon meets his match. "The Tailor and the Giant" tells the story of a cowardly man who finally faces his fears. A villainous beast of burden attempts to rid himself of his master in "The Miller's Mule."...

New York Times Bestseller and National Book Critics Circle Award Winner: A "dazzling" novel about the tumultuous relationship of two elderly siblings ( Los Angeles Times).James is a cantankerous and conservative seventy-two-year-old who has spent his life caring for the animals on his farm. His widowed older sister, Sally, has strong liberal ideals and a propensity for debate. When Sally's bankruptcy forces her to move in with her brother, their l...

The pinnacle of Gardner's medieval scholarship: a fascinating re-creation of the world of one of history's greatest writersIn this exquisite biography, John Gardner brings to life Geoffrey Chaucer, illuminating his writings and their inspiration like never before. Through exhaustive research and expert storytelling, Gardner takes readers through Chaucer's varied career—from writing The Canterbury Tales to performing diplomatic work at the Parliament—and cr...