An amazing collection of juvenile short stories, involving wizards and a sadistic dragon. It takes us to the enchanted land of Mo where people do not die and animals can speak. Baum has portrayed the fantastic world with such brilliance and vibrant imagery that we can picture it in mind's eye. Guaranteed to charm young readers and all who are young at heart.
I dare say there are several questions you would like to ask at the very beginning of this history. First: Who is the Monarch of Mo? And why is he called the Magical Monarch? And where is Mo, anyhow? And why have you never heard of it before? And can it be reached by a railroad or a trolley-car, or must one walk all the way? These questions I realize should be answered before we (that "we" means you and the book) can settle down for a comfortable reading of all the wonders and astonishing adven-tures I shall endeavor faithfully to relate.
In "The Surprising Adventures of the Magical Monarch of Mo and His People" by L. Frank Baum, readers are transported to the whimsical land of Mo where talking animals, magical creatures, and enchanted landscapes abound. Written in a charming and light-hearted tone, the book takes on a fairy-tale quality with its colorful characters and imaginative settings, making it a delightful read for both children and adults alike. Reflecting the literary context of Baum's other works, such as "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," this book showcases the author's talent for crafting engaging narratives filled with wonder and adventure. L. Frank Baum, known for his creative storytelling and captivating worlds, drew inspiration from his own vivid imagination and desire to entertain readers of all ages. His background as a playwright and children's book author shines through in this enchanting tale, which has become a classic in the realm of fantasy literature. I highly recommend "The Surprising Adventures of the Magical Monarch of Mo and His People" to anyone looking for a charming and magical escape from reality. Baum's storytelling prowess and the enchanting world of Mo will captivate readers and leave them craving more of his whimsical tales.
A guide to England’s rich history of magical lore and practice “for readers of works like Harry Potter who have grown up a bit into wanting to know more” (The Hermetic Library). Through experiments to try and places to visit, as well as a historical exploration of magic and interviews with leading magicians, The Book of English Magic will introduce you to the extraordinary world that lies beneath the surface. Magic runs through the veins of English history, part of daily life from the earliest Arthurian legends to Aleister Crowley to the novels of Tolkien and Philip Pullman, and from the Druids to Freemasonry and beyond. Richly illustrated and deeply knowledgeable, this book is an invaluable source for anyone curious about magic and wizardry, or for sophisticated practitioners seeking to expand their knowledge. “Playful and serious, respectful and amused . . . this will remain the standard work for years to come.” —The Sunday Telegraph “A magical mystery tour.” —The Times “Fabulous.” —Daily Express “Lucid and wonderfully easy to read . . . While it is indeed a perfect book for the ‘intelligent novice’ it’s far more than that—it’s a serious, in-depth survey of a massive topic.” —WitchVox “An accessible and immensely readable book . . . A fascinating insight into a hidden world.” —Booksquawk
Eli Monpress is talented, charming, and a thief. And, he's out to make a name for himself in this omnibus edition of Rachel Aaron's "fast, furious, and let's not forget fun" (Tom Holt) fantasy trilogy. But not just any thief. He's the greatest thief of the age -- and he's also a wizard. And with the help of his partners -- a swordsman with the most powerful magic sword in the world but no magical ability of his own, and a demonseed who can step through shadows and punch through walls -- he's going to put his plan into effect. The first step is to increase the size of the bounty on his head, so he'll need to steal some big things. But he'll start small for now. He'll just steal something that no one will miss -- at least for a while. Like a king.
