Amazon.com Product Description (ISBN 072061306X, Paperback)
A selection of long out-of-print short stories, and never before published illustrations, by one of England's most unique and multi-talented artists. 'Boy in Darkness', the centerpiece of this collection, will be of special interest to fans of the Gormenghast books, as it comprises a chapter in the life of Titus Groan that unfolds beyond the pages of Peake's monumental trilogy. Overwhelmed by the pomp and grueling ritual of life in Gormenghast, Titus braves an escape from his hereditary gaol. Beyond the castle walls, Titus wanders into a sinister and soulless land, where he is captured by the grotesque henchmen of an evil master intent on claiming young Titus's soul. A disturbingly atmospheric tale, told with the force and simplicity of allegory, 'Boy in Darkness' distils the strange logic of the Gormenghast trilogy into a story of pith and mystery, which bears comparison with Kafka and Poe. A treasury of classic literature, highly recommended."" The Midwest Book Review ""This compelling new edition of artist-writer Peake's short fiction is decorated with 40 drawing and paintings in both Peake's principal manners: gorgeously romantic...and grotesquely energetic...Does anybody else write like this and so well?"" --Booklist
(retrieved from Amazon Mon, 07 Jan 2013 09:17:51 -0500)
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So, I was a bit leery of picking up this novella and anthology since neither Titus or Gormenghast are ever named. In content, it is very similar to Titus Alone, and an unnamed Titus is playing hooky for a day and exploring the territory around the castle. Despite the similarity, I did enjoy it - maybe because it was short enough I could just enjoy the eeriness and Gothic atmosphere and not have time to miss the castle.
The other (very short) stories included in the volume were wonderful. "Dance Macabre", the story of a haunted suit of clothing, was by far my favorite. (