The City Of Dreaming Books - Hardcover
Optimus Yarnspinner, a young Zamonian writer, inherits very little from his beloved godfather apart from an unpublished short story by an unknown author. This manuscript proves to be such a superb piece of writing that he can't resist the temptation to investigate the mystery surrounding the author's identity. The trail takes him to Bookholm, the so-called City of Dreaming Books. On entering its streets, our hero feels as if he has opened the door of a gigantic second-hand bookshop containing millions of musty old volumes. His nostrils are assailed by clouds of book dust, by a hint of acidity reminiscent of lemon trees in flower, the stimulating scent of ancient leather, and the acrid, intelligent tang of printer's ink.
Yarnspinner not only falls under the spell of this book-obsessed city; he falls into the clutches of its evil genius, Pfistomel Smyke, who treacherously maroons him in the labyrinthine catacombs that extend for many miles beneath the surface. He finds himself in a subterranean world where reading books can be genuinely dangerous, where ruthless Bookhunters fight to the death for literary gems and the mysterious Shadow King rules a murky realm populated by Booklings, one-eyed beings whose vast library includes live books equipped with teeth and claws.
Walter Moers transports us to a magical world where reading is still a genuine adventure, where books can not only entertain people and make them laugh but drive them insane or even kill them. Only those intrepid souls who are prepared to join Optimus Yarnspinner on his perilous journey should read this book. We wish the rest of you a long, safe, unutterably dull and boring life!
Yarnspinner not only falls under the spell of this book-obsessed city; he falls into the clutches of its evil genius, Pfistomel Smyke, who treacherously maroons him in the labyrinthine catacombs that extend for many miles beneath the surface. He finds himself in a subterranean world where reading books can be genuinely dangerous, where ruthless Bookhunters fight to the death for literary gems and the mysterious Shadow King rules a murky realm populated by Booklings, one-eyed beings whose vast library includes live books equipped with teeth and claws.
Walter Moers transports us to a magical world where reading is still a genuine adventure, where books can not only entertain people and make them laugh but drive them insane or even kill them. Only those intrepid souls who are prepared to join Optimus Yarnspinner on his perilous journey should read this book. We wish the rest of you a long, safe, unutterably dull and boring life!
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Review:
"Praise for The 13 1/2 Lives of Captain Bluebear : 'Marvellously fantastical' Sunday Express"
"'A yarn of drollery, deeper meaning and sheer lunacy' Rolling Stone"
From the Publisher:
"'A yarn of drollery, deeper meaning and sheer lunacy' Rolling Stone"
A book about books. An other extraordinary adventure from the remakable mind of Walter Moers.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherHarvill Secker
- Publication date2006
- ISBN 10 0436206099
- ISBN 13 9780436206092
- BindingHardcover
- Number of pages464
- Rating
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Top Search Results from the AbeBooks Marketplace
Stock Image
The City of Dreaming Books
Published by
Secker & Warburg
(2006)
ISBN 10: 0436206099
ISBN 13: 9780436206092
Used
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: Good. The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials. Seller Inventory # 31URM8009BRE_ns
Buy Used
£ 10.60
Convert currency
Stock Image
The City Of Dreaming Books
Published by
Secker & Warburg
(2006)
ISBN 10: 0436206099
ISBN 13: 9780436206092
Used
Hardcover
Quantity: 3
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Hardback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR001952641
Buy Used
£ 6.24
Convert currency
Seller Image
The City Of Dreaming Books
Published by
Harvill Secker
(2006)
ISBN 10: 0436206099
ISBN 13: 9780436206092
Used
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: Good. Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. Seller Inventory # wbs8861813668
Buy Used
£ 12.77
Convert currency
Seller Image
The City Of Dreaming Books
Published by
Harvill Secker
(2006)
ISBN 10: 0436206099
ISBN 13: 9780436206092
Used
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: VeryGood. Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. Seller Inventory # wbs4517213717
Buy Used
£ 12.77
Convert currency
Stock Image
The City of Dreaming Books
Published by
Secker & Warburg
(2006)
ISBN 10: 0436206099
ISBN 13: 9780436206092
Used
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: Good. Buy with confidence! Book is in good condition with minor wear to the pages, binding, and minor marks within. Seller Inventory # bk0436206099xvz189zvxgdd
Buy Used
£ 20.92
Convert currency