The Purpose of Fantasy: A Reader's Guide

[Philip]

The Purpose of Fantasy: A Reader's Guide explores the spiritual/philosophical underpinnings of the field of fantasy literature.

With an intro about fantasy lit in general ("Is It Escapist?", etc.), followed by a look at twelve outstanding fantasy books, it holds up to the light a key purpose of fantasy: to ask spiritual or philosophical questions and explore creative approaches to matters of faith and belief, right and wrong, and other deeply held, intangible values.

The succinct discussions of twelve great books, from classics like The Little Prince and The Wind in the Willows to more contemporary novels by modern masters of fantasy like Ursula K. Le Guin, Neil Gaiman, Peter S. Beagle, and Natalie Babbitt, offer great ideas for book clubs or for individual reading and insight.

Books discussed: Momo, Tuck Everlasting, The Silver Chair, The Wind in the Willows, The 13 Clocks, Charlotte's Web, The Little Prince, Finn Family Moomintroll, The Rope Trick, Gifts, The Last Unicorn, The Ocean at the End of the Lane.

As the author, I personally feel the book is good for anyone interested in writing or reading, not just avid fans of fantasy, as it talks about the underlying themes of value we find in the best books.

(Note: the "good values" part isn't heavy-handed; it's more a matter of raising questions than delivering answers.)

Your feedback is warmly welcomed, especially from this group of avid readers of fantasy!

I'm a past acquisitions editor for The Writer Books, where I edited many books of advice for writers (and have written a few myself, such as How to Write Your Best Story: Advice for Writers on Spinning an Enchanting Tale. I'm now a writer and freelance editor here in Milwaukee. I've written a previous book on fantasy lit, A Guide to Fantasy Literature: Thoughts on Stories of Wonder and Enchantment, and other works on writing and culture.

Note: there is a softcover edition
($14.95) and an inexpensive Kindle edition
($3.99). Thanks for your interest, and I hope the book proves of some value to you in your reading adventures!