The Neil Gaiman Reader

by Darrell Schweitzer (Editor), Jason Erik Lundberg (Contributor), JaNell Golden (Contributor)

Neil Gaiman's talent is so vast that any exploration of his work can only be described as a beginning. Here is one such beginning, an examination of the creative genius being The Sandman, American Gods, Coraline and so much more. His prose fiction has achieved enormous acclaim and popularity. Now leading scholars provide insights into the Sandman universe, its mythological underpinnings, Gaiman's technique and his relationship to other masters of the fantastic imagination. Two extensive interviews with Gaiman are included, along with a thorough bibliography of his work to date.

Genres: Nonfiction, Essays, Graphic Novels

248 pages, Paperback

First published November 28, 2006

About the author

Darrell Schweitzer is an American writer, editor, and essayist in the field of speculative fiction. Much of his focus has been on dark fantasy and horror, although he does also work in science fiction and fantasy.

Schweitzer is also a prolific writer of literary criticism and editor of collections of essays on various writers within his preferred genres.

Reviews

[Sseonana · Rating 1 out of 5]

I bought this book for my dissertation on Neil Gaiman, as it promised critical essays and approaches to Gaiman's works, which I've been struggling to get a hold of, but have been sorely disappointed.

Most of the essays are far too descriptive, short and under-developed to be of any use as secondary reading. Some interesting ideas are raised, particularly on Stardust, Neverwhere and American Gods, but nothing new or groundbreaking. Everybody who reads Gaiman already knows that Stardust was influenced by Dunsany and Mirrlees. The theory that America as a country 'where gods cannot survive for much longer' rather than 'a godless country' was put forward by Gaiman himself in American Gods rather than Singh in his essay. I found myself far too often asking 'and?' and, 'so?' after finishing a paragraph- many of the arguments were not adequately supported by evidence, and ended up just reiterating themes in Gaiman over and over again when they weren't just describing the plot of novels.

If you like reading books about books, then this is maybe an alright read, but if you're looking for substantial, thought-provoking critical writing on Gaiman look elsewhere.

[PokeyPuppy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some essays are interesting, some less so. A lot of the information was either obvious if you've ever read Gaiman, or worse, just a synopsis of the stories.

[Dominick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. This is an early book on Gaiman, so I suppose I could cut it some slack, but most of it just is not of much value. One essay is so badly written that it should not have seen print for that reason alone, never mind the numerous errors of fact it makes (possibly because the writing is so terrible that the essay may accidentally be saying something other than what the author thinks he is saying). An essay or two does have some interesting points to make, notably the one on Mister Punch, but too many are primarily plot summaries and/or simple appreciations rather than analyses, and/or just superficial. The two interviews with Gaiman--especially the first of these--are of some value. Mostly, though, anyone who has read a lot of Gaiman and thought much about his work will not find much here that will enhance their understanding.

[Bridgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice collection of essays on Gaiman's work and two interviews with Gaiman himself.

[Bethnoir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very enjoyable book.

[Amanda Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book. A wonderful Christmas present from my husband