The Last Unicorn

Though you may or may not have read Peter S. Beagle's book "The Last Unicorn," I finished it for the second time yesterday evening. I had forgotten... so much of the loveliness that is his writing, and the style, however brief and summarical, that just sweeps you away. Beagle has a hand and the words to communicate universality and truth, and it makes that book in particular heartbreaking and lovely to read.

After finishing, I went online to find further advice. Turns out, there is a newsletter called "The Raven," sent out sporadically with Peter S. Beagle's writing and information on his appearances. The link is http://www.peterbeagle.com, an unofficial site until they get the main one up and running again. I cannot attest to the worth of the Raven as a newsletter yet, but the website boasts of interview transcripts, a biography, appearances, and the opportunity to find more of Beagle's works.

In this age of vampires (authentic or no, I will not argue definitions), werewolves, and zombies (not that there's anything wrong with zombies), it's pleasant to remember that there is a mythological creature that simply exists to make beautiful and all around it spring. It doesn't sparkle in the sunlight, doesn't seek to lure anyone into lakes to consume them, and possesses this inexplicable disdain for the human race that makes it somehow appealing.

And there's the worst wizard in the world. That's important. And desert-y women and autumn cats and a prince hero who may or may not be a bit of a Shakespearean reference.