Castle of Days

November 30, 1992
The acclaimed author's latest effort combines the complete texts of two of his previous books--a story collection, Gene Wolfe's Book of Days (1981), and a volume of essays, The Castle of the Otter (1982), both out of print. In addition, there is a wide-ranging selection of letters, speeches, notes and essays on topics from writing to knife-throwing to classical Greek. All the tales in the Book of Days have the grace and wit that Wolfe's readers have come to expect from him. ``La Befana'' is a subtle, stirring story of Christmas on another world; ``Against the Lafayette Escadrille'' packs a powerful emotional punch into its brief space. The Castle of the Otter will strike some as self-indulgent, but to Wolfe fans these behind-the-scenes glimpses at the genesis of his masterpiece, The Book of the New Sun , will be gems, particularly ``These Are the Jokes,'' in which New Sun characters tell amusing stories, and the notes on unusual words and names. Wolfe's views on writing, genrefication, critics and himself in many of the previously uncollected pieces will interest any readers serious about the literature of fantasy and science fiction. Though this collection may mystify readers unfamiliar with Wolfe and his branch of fiction, devotees will find much to savor.

December 1, 1992
This collection of fiction and nonfiction by one of sf's most luminescent writers includes "Gene Wolfe's Book of Days"--a cycle of 18 stories with holiday themes--and the collection "The Castle of the Otter" as well as speeches, essays, poems, and letters.

Copyright 1992 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 1992
Comprising three books--one of short stories and two of assorted nonfiction--"Castle of Days" is, for fans and newcomers alike, an ample showcase of Wolfe's talents. Among the tales are a disturbing allegorical novelette, "Forlesen"; the delightful "How I Won the Second World War," which depicts a gamester's fortuitous encounter with Hitler and Churchill; and a series of shorter pieces ranging from Irish folktale to macabre dystopian prophecy. The second and third books within the book provide a versatile mix of Wolfe's sage and satirical criticism and the previously published "Castle of the Otter," an inventive compilation of commentaries on his tetralogy, The Book of the New Sun. For reasons related less to his ability than to the caprices of the publishing trade, Wolfe has yet to receive the mainstream recognition achieved by the likes of Clarke and Asimov. In this anthology, he demonstrates a masterful dexterity of style that cuts across all categories, and an impressive literary craftsmanship few in the genre can match. ((Reviewed Nov. 15, 1992))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1992, American Library Association.)