It was truly better than I remembered it. :) I had certain expectations based on my previous memories, but when I experienced it again, it exceeded all of them. The details that I had forgotten or perhaps not fully appreciated before now stood out vividly. It was like a new discovery, yet with a sense of familiarity. The colors seemed more vibrant, the sounds more悦耳, and the overall atmosphere more enchanting. It was as if time had enhanced its charm rather than diminished it. I found myself completely immersed in it, enjoying every moment. It was a pleasant surprise and a reminder that sometimes, things can be even more wonderful than we recall.

There is something, and I can't quite put my finger on exactly what it is, about Beagle's writing that truly fills the soul. It is like candy for the mind, a delicious treat that provides food for thought. I was deeply affected by how his words made me feel, both moved and stimulated.

I arrived at this realization after watching "The Last Unicorn," which happens to be one of my all-time favorite movies. I highly recommend this movie as it manages to capture the essence of the book beautifully. It brings the story to life in a vivid and engaging way. However, I must admit that they did draw the unicorns all wrong! But despite this minor flaw, the movie still holds a special place in my heart.

I'm currently experiencing a rather challenging time when it comes to engaging with the writing style of these stories.

Beagle's voice seems to have a certain duality. On one hand, it is overly simple, lacking in the kind of depth and complexity that might draw the reader in more fully. On the other hand, it is also wordy, with an excess of words that can sometimes muddle the narrative and make it difficult to truly understand and relate to the characters.

Out of all the stories, there was only one that I didn't have to struggle through, and that was "Come, Lady Death." This particular story seemed to have a certain charm and flow that the others lacked, perhaps due to a more engaging plot or more well-developed characters.

Nonetheless, the overall writing style of these stories has presented a significant obstacle to my enjoyment and understanding of them. I'm hoping that as I continue to read, I might be able to better adapt to Beagle's unique voice and find more to appreciate in his work.

One of my dearest friends from college presented this to me as a Christmas gift in 1980.

It was an extremely thoughtful present, "The Fantasy Worlds of Peter S Beagle".

I had shared with her how deeply I adored "The Last Unicorn" when we read it during high school.

It remains one of my all-time favorite fantasy novels.

The other three stories in this volume are equally magnificent.

There is one about a modern-day werewolf, a tale about Lady Death, and one set in a graveyard that explores love that transcends the grave.

Although they might sound macabre, they are actually full of hope.

Beagle's fantasy is firmly rooted in a human world, complete with all our human flaws and idiosyncrasies.

We can identify with the people who are ordinary in most respects, yet possess the capacity for wonder.

It is this combination of the familiar and the extraordinary that makes Beagle's work so captivating and enduring.

Lila the Werewolf received a rating of 3.5 stars. It seems to have had some aspects that were liked but perhaps didn't quite reach the full potential of a higher rating.

The Last Unicorn, on the other hand, was given 4 stars. This indicates that it was a more engaging and enjoyable read for the reviewer.

Come, Lady Death also got 4 stars, suggesting that it too had qualities that appealed to the reader.

However, A Fine And Private Place was not finished. There could be several reasons for this. Maybe the story didn't grip the reader from the start, or perhaps the writing style wasn't to their taste. It's also possible that other commitments prevented the reviewer from completing the book.

Overall, these ratings give us an idea of the reviewer's thoughts and opinions on these different works.

Normally, I consider introductions as a waste of time, whether it's reading or writing them. However, in the case of this collection, I would highly recommend reading the introduction. It's truly lovely. Peter Beagle seems to be such a delightful person.

I read The Last Unicorn about ten years ago, but all the other works in this collection were new to me. The collection is a bit of a hodgepodge, and the title might give the impression that the works are set in a strictly fantasy world, which isn't entirely accurate. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed it.

Among the two short stories, "Come, Lady Death" was the better one and well worth reading. "Lila and the Werewolf" reads a bit like it was written by a dude in an MFA program. On the other hand, The Last Unicorn remains brilliant. Every time I read it, I gain more insights. Calling it just fantasy is a bit misleading. More accurately, Beagle exposes our insecurities in the gentlest and most magical way, giving us a better understanding of ourselves and seeing perhaps more than we're comfortable with. I definitely plan to read it again in another decade.

A Fine and Private Place, if we believe Beagle's introduction, was written when he was only 19. If that's true, then Beagle was a prodigy. It seems almost impossible for a 19-year-old to have had enough life experience to write this novel. While there are parts that do feel very naive and typical of a 19-year-old, most of it is so mature. Beagle's signature brutal-yet-magical insight is already present at such a young age, which is almost shocking when you come across an amateurish phrase. It reminds me of Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book, but for adults.

There's a very old, spider-web thin Chicago metro ticket tucked into my copy of this book, but unfortunately, it doesn't have a year on it. I would really love to know when it's from.

Whether one has a penchant for fantasy or not, this 430-page collection is an excellent addition to anyone's library.

It houses the novels "The Last Unicorn", "A Fine and Private Place", and the short stories "Come, Lady Death" and "Lila, the Werewolf". Each piece is distinct from the others, showcasing Beagle's versatility in storytelling and writing styles.

"A Fine and Private Place" revolves around a mausoleum where a recluse who can communicate with the dead is presented with an opportunity for happiness. Its wit, charm, sadness, and beauty combine to make it a remarkable and memorable work, well worth revisiting. Surprisingly, it is Beagle's first novel, penned when he was just 19.

"The Last Unicorn" trails the Unicorn as it joins forces with Schmendrick the Magician and a bandit leader's wife to uncover the fate of the other unicorns. It is a fantasy tale that can be relished by both children and adults. As is often the case, the movie adaptation left out some aspects of the story, including the book's conclusion.

"Lila the Werewolf" is self-evident and was decent. "Come, Lady Death" is a humorous, fantasy-infused take on the superficial social politics of the 19th century. It was truly entertaining.

I eagerly anticipate delving into more of Beagle's works.

Beagle, Peter S.

The Fantasy Worlds of Peter S. Beagle

In compilation only.

Merged review:

1) Lila the Werewolf

This story likely delves into the mysterious and perhaps tragic world of a werewolf named Lila. We can imagine the conflicts she faces, both within herself as she struggles with her dual nature, and in her interactions with the human world.

2) The Last Unicorn

The concept of the last unicorn is enchanting. It may explore themes of loneliness, the search for identity, and the power of magic. The unicorn's journey through a world that has forgotten or lost its sense of wonder is sure to be a captivating one.

3) Come, Lady Death

This title suggests a story that confronts the inevitability of death. It might examine how different characters deal with the presence of Lady Death, and what lessons can be learned from her visits.

4) A Fine and Private Place

This story perhaps takes us to a secluded and special location. It could be a place where secrets are revealed, relationships are tested, and the characters find themselves in a situation that challenges their understanding of the world around them.

Overall, Peter S. Beagle's works seem to offer a rich tapestry of fantasy worlds, each with its own unique themes and characters.

I borrowed the book to read 'The Last Unicorn', but to my pleasant surprise, I ended up enjoying all 4 stories within it.

Each story is well-written and unique in its own way.

Surprisingly, 'Lila the Werewolf' was my least favorite among them. However, I really enjoyed 'A Fine and Private Place' which takes place in a cemetery.

The setting of the cemetery added an interesting and unexpected element to the story, making it much more engaging than I initially anticipated.

I was truly captivated by the author's ability to create such diverse and captivating stories within one book.

It has been a great reading experience, and I would highly recommend this book to others who enjoy unique and well-written tales.

Of the four stories that make up this book, I was truly amazed by the extent to which I relished 'A Fine and Private Place'.

I managed to track down and buy a used copy of this book. The reason being that I discovered it on a friend's bookshelf and was instantly captivated by the concepts of 'Lila the Werewolf' and 'Come, Lady Death' (which I recalled reading previously). I then realized that I had not yet read 'The Last Unicorn' and thus decided that this was the perfect opportunity to read all of them.

The entire book is an absolute delight for enthusiasts of fantasy. It offers a rich and immersive world that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged from start to finish. I am extremely glad that I was able to come across this gem.

It has become one of my favorite reads and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has a penchant for fantasy literature.

4 stars from younger me

When I look back at my younger self, I can't help but give myself 4 stars. At that time, I was full of curiosity and enthusiasm for the world. I was always eager to learn new things and explore different places. I had a strong sense of adventure and was not afraid to take risks.

However, I also had my flaws. I was sometimes too impulsive and didn't think things through carefully. I made some mistakes and learned from them. But overall, I was a happy and confident child.

Looking at my younger self now, I feel a sense of pride and nostalgia. I am grateful for the experiences and memories that have shaped me into the person I am today. And I know that no matter how much I have changed, a part of that younger me still lives within me, always ready to shine.

A good story about the eternal fear of death and the difficult role it has to play.

Death is an inevitable part of life, yet it remains one of the greatest fears that humans face. It is a concept that has intrigued and terrified us throughout history.

This story delves into the depths of this eternal fear, exploring how it shapes our lives and decisions. We see how people struggle to come to terms with the idea of their own mortality, often living in a state of constant anxiety.

The role of death in this story is a difficult one. It is not simply an end, but a force that drives characters to make choices they might not otherwise make. It challenges them to confront their deepest fears and desires.

As we follow the characters on their journey, we are reminded of the importance of facing our fears and living life to the fullest. Death may be inevitable, but it is how we live our lives that truly matters.