The Last Unicorn

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle is a timeless tale that transcends generations, combining elements of fantasy, adventure, and profound emotion. The story begins in a lilac wood, where the last unicorn resides, her days filled with the tranquility of nature's gentle embrace. Yet, haunted by a lingering sense of loneliness and the rumours that her kin may no longer exist, she embarks on a courageous quest to find her lost companions. Her journey leads her far beyond the boundaries of her forested home, into a world where myth and reality converge in unexpected ways.

Along the way, she meets Schmendrick, a hapless magician whose spells often go awry, yet whose heart is as true as the magic he dreams of mastering. With them travels Molly Grue, a woman hardened by life yet tender with compassion. Together, this unlikely trio encounters both the whimsical and the perilous, navigating realms of human complexity and long-forgotten magic. As the unicorn confronts the enigmatic Red Bull and the melancholy King Haggard, she discovers the bittersweet nature of mortality and love.

Beagle's narrative is imbued with a lyrical beauty, effortlessly invoking a sense of wonder and nostalgia that speaks to both the young and young-at-heart. His masterful storytelling captures the dichotomy of joy and melancholy, offering perspectives on what it means to find one's place in a world that seems continually to shift and change.

This special edition includes a new introduction by Patrick Rothfuss, celebrating the enduring legacy of a novel that The Atlantic has hailed as “one of the best fantasy novels ever.” Through Beagle's eloquent prose, readers are invited to explore a fantasy realm alive with timeless themes and poignant wisdom, making The Last Unicorn a crucial addition for any lover of literature. Experience this classic anew and join the legions who have been enchanted by its enduring magic.

“Peter S. Beagle illuminates with his own particular magic.”—Ursula K. Le Guin