2012 World Fantasy Award Winner
In his first new collection since 2005, Tim Powers, the master of the secret history, delves into the mysteries of souls, whether they are sacrificed on the pinnacle of Mount Parnassus or lodged in a television cable box.
With two new stories and short fiction only previously available in limited editions, the cornerstone of the collection is a postscript to his harrowing novel of the haunting of the Romantic poets, The Stress of Her Regard. After Byron and Shelley break free of the succubus that claimed them, their associate, Trelawny, forges an alliance with Greek rebels to reestablish the deadly connection between man and the nephilim.
Meanwhile, in a Kabbalistic story of transformation, the executor of an old friend's will is duped into housing his soul, but for the grace of the family cat. A rare-book collector replaces pennies stolen from Jean Harlow's square in the Hollywood Walk of Fame?and discovers a literary mystery with supernatural consequences. In a tale of time travel between 2015 and 1975, a tragedy sparked by an angel falling onto a pizza shop is reenacted?and the event is barely, but fatally, altered.
Industry Reviews
"Powers' first new collection since 2005 assembles five stories and a novella, where he exhibits his extraordinary talent as a fantasist and his uncommon imaginative power." --www.SFSite.com (September 20, 2011) "During a 25-year career that includes several highly praised novels and many awards, Powers has earned a reputation as a reigning master of adult contemporary fantasy... Whether the subject is disillusioned priests or vengeful spirits, Powers is always ready with a surprise around the next narrative corner. A delight for fans and nonfans alike." --Booklist STAR on Strange Itineraries "Most fantasy authors aim at persuading you of the reality of their invented worlds. Mr. Powers makes you doubt the reality of your own... That's what creates a true frisson." -- Wall Street Journal (October 8, 2011) "Powers writes action and adventure that Indiana Jones could only dream of. And, just when it threatens to get out of hand, there's a dash of humor and irony that keeps you reading for the joy of it." --Washington Post "Superb... Here, in potent, distilled form, you will find Powers's trademarked secret histories, heroically damaged (or damagedly heroic) losers, creepy supernatural phenomena, and macabre humor." --Paul Di Filippo, author, Fractal Paisleys , Fuzzy Dice , and Neutrino Drag "Powers knows the ways we get haunted - by ambition, loss, greed, and heartbreak - and you finish reading this handful of beautifully crafted tales wishing he'd tell us more." -- Locus (August 2011) "Terrible choices face the protagonists of six poignant pieces by historical fantasist Powers." -- Publishers Weekly (August 30, 2011) "Tim Powers' first collection of short fiction in over half a decade, The Bible Repairman and Other Stories is a potent six-story collection that plays effortlessly with many of the author's favorite themes." -- The Green Man Review (September 15, 2011)
