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Experience one of the most enduring classics of the twentieth century and the book that The Atlantic has called “one of the best fantasy novels ever.”
The unicorn lived in a lilac wood, and she lived all alone...
...so she ventured out from the safety of the enchanted forest on a quest for others of her kind. Joined along the way by the bumbling magician Schmendrick and the indomitable Molly Grue, the unicorn learns all about the joys and sorrows of life and love before meeting her destiny in the castle of a despondent monarch—and confronting the creature that would drive her kind to extinction....
In The Last Unicorn, renowned and beloved novelist Peter S. Beagle spins a poignant tale of love, loss, and wonder that has resonated with millions of readers around the world.
“Peter S. Beagle illuminates with his own particular magic.”—Ursula K. Le Guin
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Creators
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Series
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Publisher
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Release date
July 26, 2022 -
Formats
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OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9780593610824
- File size: 234856 KB
- Duration: 08:09:16
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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Peter Beagle reads an abridged version of his classic fantasy, first published in 1968. The story recounts the journey of the last unicorn to find "her people," unicorns who have been imprisoned by the evil King Haggard. This abridged version of the fable retains the texture and wonder of the original. The author gives a semi-voiced performance, skillfully conveying the emotional atmosphere of the story. Bridges of classical guitar music contribute to the mood of the story. Suitable for older children and young adults as well as adults, this production will bring this lovely story to many who missed the book. It's a classic of its genre and deserves a place in most audio collections. M.A.M. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine -
February 21, 2011
Since it was first published in 1968, Beagle’s beloved fantasy novel has been made into a stage play and a film—and now this gorgeous, emotive graphic novel adaptation. Set in a fully realized but slightly tongue-in-cheek fantasy world that has inspired everything from The Princess Bride to Stardust, Beagle’s story is a romantic fable about a regal unicorn who leaves the forest she has protected since time immemorial to find more of her kin. After a short spell of imprisonment by a witch’s traveling circus, she journeys onward with an accident-prone magician, hoping to find the answer to her quest in the land of a coldhearted king and a monstrously fearsome red bull. Along the way, the unicorn and her good-hearted but hapless companion have many encounters, including one with a Robin Hood–esque group of bandits who seem dropped in from a Monty Python skit. Beagle’s sumptuously descriptive writing, adapted ably by Gillis, casts a spell throughout, while De Liz’s glowing, painterly artwork meshes perfectly with the haunting otherworldly beauty of the story. -
November 6, 2006
This fragment is Beagle's first, unsuccessful attempt at writing what became his classic fantasy, The Last Unicorn
(1968), though even his failures are marvels of wry humor and brilliant prose styling. Beagle's introduction illuminates his thought processes behind the composition of The Last Unicorn
, while his afterword explains "the occasional haunting connection" between this version and the finished one. As in the completed text, an immortal unicorn leaves her lilac wood in search of other unicorns. She engages in witty repartee with a whiny dragon and meets up with a two-headed demon, Azazel and Webster, who are carrying a coal stolen from hell. The unicorn and the demons have some intriguing, whimsical conversations, but the action ends abruptly before resolving any of the characters' fates. Collectors and those interested in the gestation of Beagle's masterpiece will best appreciate this imperfect gem. -
Orlagh Cassidy narrates this classic of children's literature. A unicorn believes she is the last of her kind. She decides to find out what happened to all others. She is captured by a gypsy, set free by a failed magician, and eventually turned into a human by the magician. Cassidy adopts a wistful tone as the unicorn goes through her tribulations. By the time the unicorn comes to the king's castle as Lady Amalthea, Cassidy has brought a collection of characters to life. Among the most interesting is Prince Lir. Cassidy transforms him as he tries to win the heart of Lady Amalthea through heroic deeds and ends up a lovelorn poet. Joshua Kane delivers the introduction by Patrick Rothfuss. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
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Starred review from December 1, 2022
Fanciful, fun, and timeless, Beagle's classic fantasy may be over five decades old, but it remains just as fresh as when it was first published in 1968. When a unicorn ventures out of her forest, she realizes she can't remember the last time she saw another unicorn--where have they all gone? She goes on a quest to discover where they are, teaming up with a hapless magician and an earnest peasant woman who is content to go along for the ride. The trio venture to King Haggard's kingdom, where rumor has it that a red bull has trapped all the unicorns. Beagle is a master wordsmith and the tale is beautifully, even poetically, written. Orlagh Cassidy masterfully narrates the story, bringing an expressive warmth that will help listeners lose themselves in the lush fantasy world. This audio edition also includes a new introduction by Patrick Rothfuss, a giant in the fantasy genre, who waxes poetic about "his favorite book ever." VERDICT This enchanting book is perfect for readers who love The Princess Bride, Ella Enchanted, and other whimsical fantasy stories. Filled with heroes, noble quests, magical creatures, curses, and unforgettable characters, it is an unforgettable listen for all ages.--Erin Cataldi
Copyright 2022 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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